Review of Bird Photography in the Snow

I love photographing birds and in the winter a snowy day can give a wonderful backdrop for my bird photographs.

Female Cardinal

As I reviewed articles online in preparation for writing this article, I found many tips on photographing in the snow.  Most of these talked about protecting your camera, wearing gloves with the fingers cut out and that type of tips.  I have a different setup for photographing birds right from the comfort of my own home and that is what I will be sharing in this article.

Photographing through Glass

The photograph above, as well as all of the photos on this page were taken through glass.  I have tripods set up in my home that I use to photograph the birds in our yard.  The photograph above was taken through our sliding glass doors in the kitchen.  I often get a surprised reaction when people hear that I photograph through glass, but it has worked well for me.

               When photographing through glass

                be sure to keep the glass clean.

I keep a cloth handy to quickly wipe away any smudges on the glass.  On a snowy day I will frequently open the door to wipe away sleet or drops that have formed on the glass outside.

                Set up the camera as close to the

                glass as possible.

I have my cameras set up on a tripod just inches away from the glass.

My Setup

I have two cameras that I use to take my bird photography.  Both are set up on tripods.  

• Sony A57 DSLR set up with a Tamron 200-600 zoom lens.  This camera is perfect for getting the birds that are at a bit of a distance.  I use these when the birds are at my far feeders, up in the branches of the trees along the back of our property or in the bushes.
• Sony a6300 mirrorless camera.  This camera set up with a 70-210 zoom lens is perfect for the birds on the deck and in the closer feeders.  I use it in connection with a wireless remote so that I can sit at the kitchen table and trigger the shutter release when I see a bird.  I used this setup in photographing the BlueJays pictured below.

Bright Colored Birds on a Snowy Day

I love to photograph all birds but catching some of these brightly colored birds against the snowy backdrop are my favorites.

Dark-eyed Junco or Snowbird

Another favorite of mine is the Junco which is commonly called the snowbird.  It has a dark top and white underside which looks great on a snowy day.

Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Birds in Snow Card
by mbgphoto

Winter Birds Fleece Blanket
by mbgphoto

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wooden Birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds Reviewed

How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Backyard!

Every year I look forward to the arrival of the Eastern Bluebirds to our backyard.  We owned our first bluebird birdhouse over 30 years ago, but I remember well how excited we were when our first bluebird couple built their nest our our wooden birdhouse.  Now, I watch for them year after year.  The thrill of seeing them investigate our bluebird birdhouse for the possibility of a home never decreases.

Just this morning, my husband excitedly whispered from the backdoor of our home, "The bluebirds are back!  Grab your camera!"  I must admit, I was very surprised.  It is still a little early for them to arrive, but I grabbed my robe and slippers and headed for the door.

The Eastern Bluebird

As you would expect, Eastern Bluebirds are blue.  They have pinkish-orange throats and breasts with white bellies.  They are small birds with bodies about 6" - 8" long.  Their wingspan can easily be measured up to 12½" and they weigh approximately 1 ounce.  They may be small, but they make a tremendous visual impact when perching on a gray fence, bare tree branch, or on their birdhouse.  They are stunningly gorgeous subjects for photographers.

Eastern Bluebirds mostly eat berries and insects, therefore they prefer to live close to trees or wooded areas.  One thing to keep in mind, they like the ground under their nesting area to be clear of debris.  I've always believed that was a natural instinct to avoid areas where predators may be hiding. 

Eastern Bluebirds have been known to live up to 10 years in the wild.  You may well have the same couple return for several years to set up their nest and lay their eggs in your birdhouse. 

The Bluebird House

There are a few considerations when selecting and setting up a birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds.   The first consideration is obvious, do you have Eastern Bluebirds in your area?  Once you have identified them, then all you really need is the right wooden birdhouse set facing the right direction, at the right height.

The Female Inspects the Birdhouse While the Male Stands Watch
Later, he will gather twigs & materials and bring them to her once she is inside building the nest.

 
The birdhouse selection does matter!  An Eastern Bluebird requires a small opening that will serve to protect their nest and eggs from predators.  

 Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House - Model BB1

As I said earlier, placement matters.  A bluebird house must face east for bluebirds to nest.  It should also be nailed approximately 5' off the ground to a fence or on a post.  As you can see in the photos, our bluebird house is nailed to a fence.

Since the Eastern Bluebirds build their nests in the spring, you need to have your birdhouse up and ready to occupy in early spring.   It doesn't take long to nail up the perfect ready-made birdhouse like the one featured above!

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Wooden Birdhouse for Eastern Bluebirds Reviewed Written by:

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