Photographing wild birds
Well this is my first photoblog so I hope I successfully upload sufficient images and commentary to make it interesting.
To set the scene I love taking photos but I'm afraid I do not understand many facets of photography so it is often a case of trial and error and relying on the superb ability of my S100FS. I bought my camera last January and since that time I have become more adventurous. My wife and I own a static caravan near Machynlleth in Wales and enjoy sitting and watching the wild birds feeding. I decided to combine watching with photographing and these are some of the results.
As you can see from the photo above I have positioned the feeder on the outside of the patio. The birds fly backwards and forwards from the trees in the background.
I purchased an infra-red remote control shutter release for about £25 from the internet. I set my camera on a tripod which I then put on a table to get enough height to look down on the feeder. There is an element of "edging your bets" by simply lining up the feeding tray and manually focussing on the furthest edge.
I must say that my favourite type has become the Nuthatch because it is such a pretty bird and also seems to be the most relaxed when feeding so ideal to photograph.
I shall try and improve on my technique for this year and I am looking how I can disguise the feeder to make it look a more natural shot. If anyone has any tips or suggestions I would be glad to hear them.
Bluetits are also regular visitors but as you can see they tend to be more nervous and stay on the edge of the tray. They also tend to pick up a seed and return to the nearby trees to eat it.
The chaffinch is another species which provides great colour and interest.
Whilst the Coaltit is rather dull in its markings it is none the less a smashing little bird with a cheeky character.
- Dave Roberts's blog
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I want a remote like that, cracking photoblog, interesting informative narrative and brilliant photographs.
I want one!!!!!
Cheers and Happy New Year
Steve (not qualified to give stars)
My gallery: http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/117
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Agree with Steve there Dave, not my specialist subject, but some cracking photos.
Plenty of twitchers on here will love this, pin sharp images and very well constructed.
Great 1st blog, well done
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/311
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/ian-allington
My old fella said "Be the best you can with the talent you've got". Jeez I'm screwed!!
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Wow I am jealous what cracking pictures well done I know its hard to take photos of wild birds you have done well
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Well done Dave, an excellent blog. Lovely looking caravan too!
Jen xx
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
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Great blog Dave - interesting narrative and cracking pictures. Very well done, will be looking forward to seeing more from you in the future.
Jim Bamber
Gallery http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/680
My Latest Blog http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/680/33128
My First Blog http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/680/11373
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A really good blog Dave. Interesting narrative and excellent pictures. Look forward to more blogs from you
John
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/john-hall
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These shots are fab. Ever since being about 10 I wanted to be able to take shots like that, especially of the nuthatch and I'm still not there yet.
I've found that a lot of these birds would prefer to be able to get very close to feeder before actually landing on it.
For instance, I have an old stone wall just behind my feeders and a lot of them use this as a feeding/resting position.
Maybe you could add some features around your feeder, just a little at a time. Maybe a little tree sapling at a nice height. The birds will use this; and hopefully you could get a more natural shot - missing out the feeder completely.
I look forward to seeing more of your images and I hope this might help a little.
Rachel
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/67840
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/102704
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OMG WHAT SUPERD PICS WELL DONE MATE XX
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Super blog and the ones of the nuthatch are superb, it is the one bird that does not visit our garden.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/149182
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OOOhh! Very good blog!!
Taking photos of birds is very tricky, but these are great!
Well done!
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And i am jealous as well, brilliant picture and narrative i think that i will get one of those infer red things thank you for shareing this excellent blog and hope to see some more if it is possible.vbol Kenny the Bolt.
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/gallery/1448
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/kenny-bolton
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Yes your patience and determination to get wild bird pictures seems to be paying off like the others I envy you the Nuthatch shots! I agree with Rachel that some more ' props on the flight approach to the feeder may get you the opportunities you want. We have a selection of cane hoops and shrubs around the bird table. The more shy and cautious birds certainly like to move in stages, checking for threats all the way. Often hte Great Tits and Blue tits will stay nearby to hammer out the seeds rather than go right away.
This was a very interesting blog and I hope you will have some more pictures for us in the Spring.
Sue.P
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Great wildlife shots Dave, nice blog.
Kev.
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going to try something like this myself in my garden.
brilliant x
Amanda
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A great Superblog Dave, with an excellent set of wildlife photos supported with a very informative narrative, I like the set up with the Infra red remote shutter release,
Superb! Thank you for sharing.
Colin
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/competition/entry/135067
http://www.myfinepix.co.uk/blog/colin-berry
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Very interesting article Dave, I love particularly your nuthatch shots - beautiful little bird which I have yet to see myself. Having been out there many times myself trying to get quality bird shots with my S100fs I appreciate the quality of shots you have got there. Have experimented a little myself with a similar setup at my bird feeders but found firstly that not being actually behind the camera made perfect focus unlikely(I find it difficult anyway with such a small object even when moving focussing target around) and of course there is the issue of the sometimes unflattering manmade backgrounds. My Robin photo which you commented on was of course made possible by the incredible co-operation of this bird who posed close enough to get a full frame shot(at minimum zoom) with the camera in macro mode. I think only a Robin would be so obliging. The real nutcases get out there in the woods under a hide for hours, been contemplating that myself lately!
Nice work keep it up.
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Beautiful photos. Awesome shots.