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With the rise of bird photography as a popular hobby, more and more people are taking this up as a wonderful way to engage with nature. If you’re new to this delightful venture, there’s no better way to start than at your very own backyard. Home to numerous common birds, it serves as a fantastic training ground for you to hone your skills. Scope out these familiar backyard birds, understand their habits, and improve your bird photography.
House Sparrow
The House Sparrow is the most common bird seen around human settlements and are an ideal choice for beginners. Brown and grey with little streaks at the back and down its wings, it has a small body size, which will test your ability to focus quickly. They’re commonly found perching on rooftops or chirping away in bushes, providing endless opportunities for a perfect shot.
American Robin
Robins abound in North American backyards. With their orange-red chest and belly contrasted with a gray-brown upper body, they make for charming pictures. These birds love to hop around on the ground, foraging for earthworms. Patience is crucial, wait for the perfect moment when they pull up a worm and capture the action shot.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, with its lovely red plumage and black mask around the bill, is a favorite among bird photographers. The male’s vibrant red color provides a stunning contrast against snow or greenery while the brownish females with their red beaks bring diversity to your photographs. These songbirds are usually found singing from high perches, so keep your eyes towards the treetops.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay’s striking blue, white, and black coloration make it an attractive subject for bird photography. They bring life to your pictures with their crest, which they will put up when excited or aggressive. They’re often seen in small groups, giving you excellent opportunities to photograph bird interactions.
American Goldfinch
With their bright yellow plumage, the American Goldfinch is a standout bird in your backyard. They switch to an olive-gray color in winter, giving your clicks some variety. As migratory birds, capturing them feeding on thistles and dandelions or sipping water will make for beautifully dynamic pictures.
Black-Capped Chickadee
Black-Capped Chickadees, with their small size and swift movements, might challenge you. Their active nature and adorable appearance, featuring a black cap and bib with white cheeks, make them great targets for cute bird photographs. Practice panning your camera and focus on fast-moving subjects using these agile little birds.
Tips for Great Bird Photography
Understand Bird Behavior
Understanding the behavior and habits of the birds you’re photographing is essential. Knowing their feeding habits, perch preferences, and daily routines will guide you to anticipate their moves, position yourself, and set up your equipment accordingly.
Patience
Bird Photography requires a lot of patience. You need to wait for the perfect moment to capture the bird in its natural behavior, such as feeding, flying, or even singing. Thus, it is sometimes required to stay motionless and quiet for prolonged periods.
Camera Settings
Speed and precision are vital in bird photography. It’s advised to use continuous shooting mode to capture quick movements. Also, a fast shutter speed is essential to avoid motion blur. Implementing appropriate settings will help you achieve crisp and clear bird pictorials.
Use of Natural Light
The best bird photographs make good use of available light. Early mornings and late afternoons offer a warm, soft glow, usually referred to as the “golden hour.” The position of the sun is vital too. Shooting with the sun behind the bird might result in a silhouette effect, while having the sun behind you will illuminate the bird, highlighting its colors.
Getting into bird photography is a rewarding experience. With these beginner-friendly common backyard birds and some handy tips, you will soon find your skills burgeoning. So, grab your camera, hit your backyard and let the bird photography journey commence!
