Photographing Birds in Flight

Review of Tips on Photographing Birds in Flight

1. Patience-  This is #1
2. Long lens- I used 70-300mm for most of my photos
3. Find the right location--birds seem to congregate near water to find food so that is a good place to start
4. Understand bird behavior-Observation is key here.  The more you observe the better your chances of catching birds in flight.
5. Using right settings on your camera.  A shutter speed of 1/500 or higher is ideal
6. GET CREATIVE and Have Fun!

Florida Wilderness Reserve

The area where we stayed this past March was a wonderful place to observe and photograph birds.  I spent some time each day walking along the reserve area of wetlands and observed the birds in the area.  After a few days, I got quite familiar with their behaviors and was able to find the right times to photograph them.  I found late afternoon and early evening to be a great time to catch the birds in flight.  I particularly enjoyed photographing the Herons, Egrets, and Ibis in flight.

First Tries

I found that my first attempts did not quite give me the results that I wanted.  I would have loved for the photo below of the Sandhill Crane and the Spoonbill Roseate to be in better focus.

In my attempts to quickly photograph birds in flight, I ended up with a lot of backsides of birds.

With Lots of Patience

I eventually got a few shots of birds in flight that I feel were good.  Here is a blue heron.

 And I also like this  pair of egrets.

Slower Birds are Easier

I found photographing the Whistling Ducks in flight to be easier, but then they are a bit slower.

My Photos on Zazzle Products

Great Egret in Flight Coffee Mug
by mbgphoto

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Photographing Florida Wildlife

Florida has some wonderful birds and other wildlife that are very different from what I am used to seeing in the Midwest.  When I am vacationing in Florida I enjoy photographing the wildlife. On this page I will review some of the photographs I took of Florida wildlife.

Brown Pelican

I love taking a walk down the pier at Jupiter Inlet and watch the Brown Pelican's which are very prevalent in that area.  It is easy to get a photograph of the pelicans as they sit on the rocks near the pier.  These beautiful creatures can also be seen diving for fish in the area.  I wrote an article on brown pelicans and you will find more of my photos and information on the pelicans at Brown Pelican Photos.

Geckos

 These fascinating little creatures were everywhere around our condo in Florida.  I couldn't walk down the sidewalk without one running out in front of me.  My friend told me they were Amonolies, but I'm not really sure.  I tried to look them up online and found there are over 1500 species of Geckos worldwide.  I'm not sure what type these are but they sure are cute.  Usually they move way to fast to get a good photo, but one day I was taking a walk and the little guy up above was basking in the sun on the sidewalk just begging to have his photo taken.  Of course I had my camera with me and was able to capture this photo.  If you know what type of Gecko or Amonolie this is, please leave a note in the comment section.

Birds and Ducks after a Rain

Behind our condo was a park with a great walking trail along the edges.  In the middle the ground was lower and when it rained it filled with water.  One day after a rain, birds and ducks flocked to the area.  I grabbed my camera and was able to capture the photos below.  I think the white birds are Egrets but I don't know the names of the others. Again, if you can enlighten me please leave a comment.

Pelican on Beach Mouse Pad by mbgphoto
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Pelicans on Piers Posters by mbgphoto
See more Pelicans Posters at zazzle.com

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