Here are a few quick tips to photographing birds learned over the years.

Photograph morning and evening, when the light is good and birds are active. Cloudy days with soft light are wonderful, particularly for colorful subjects. The clouds extend the shooting times because clouds diffuse the harsh light of mid-day.

Be aware of what’s going on visually behind the bird. Avoid distracting backgrounds, especially unwanted highlights or shapes. Because of necessary fast shutter speeds with the use of long lenses, we often shoot at or near a wide open aperture which blurs the background, bringing total focus on the subject where it belongs. Distracting elements can ruin an otherwise fine photo. Look for continuous tone backgrounds with pleasing shapes and complimentary colors.

Good, sturdy tripods once were absolutely necessary. But with the advent of Image-Stabilized (IS) and Vibration Reduction (VR) lenses, hand holding camera and lens canwork too, offering greater flexibility and movement. A good, fluid head is necessary when using a tripod. A sharp fast lens is the best tool for photographing our feathered friends. A mid-range zoom (especially those with stabilization) can handle most quick, closer-in opportunities.

Don’t spend all your time looking through the camera. You’ll miss most of the ability to anticipate what’s going to happen. Take time, watch the animal’s behavior. Birds are creatures of habit and routine, especially in spring when nesting. Find the perches. Set up. Be ready. Anticipate and only get behind the camera when necessary.

Seek the moment of peak action. It might be a take-off or landing, or an interaction between subjects. Watch and learn. Know the subject. Always make sure its eyes are in focus. Try to capture a glint in the eye. Practice patience.

Don’t forget to show respect for the birds and others who might be watching them.

-by James Frank