Bird Photography In Your Back Garden

Birds in Your Back Garden

Birds are one of the most visible of all backyard wildlife and given a little know-how will reward the patient photographer with some fantastic images.

What’s The Approach?

Most back gardens attract a good variety of birds, especially if you give them a helping hand by providing them with food, water and somewhere to breed. One big advantage of photographing garden birds is that they are likely to be more easily approached than their secretive country cousins. This means it’s often possible to capture frame-filling images by sitting quietly close to where they are feeding.

For more skittish species, use a small portable hide to conceal yourself, which will also ensure the birds behave naturally. Attract birds into your back garden by providing a range of foodstuffs as well as clean water in an accessible pool. Nest boxes erected in suitable spots will help encourage a greater number of species to your patch.

Best Time Of Day?

Birds tend to be active for most of the day, but often have a peak of activity early in the morning and again towards the end of the day.

What Gear Do I Need?

To capture a medium-sized bird at a decent size in the frame, you’ll need a telephoto lens of at least 300mm. If this is coupled with a camera that has a cropped sensor, then this effectively increases the magnification, which is very helpful when photographing birdlife. A camera that is capable of shooting at 4-5 frames per second or faster will increase your chances of capturing action shots.

Lighting & Composition

Timing your shoot to coincide with peak bird activity early in the day will also mean catching the attractive morning sunlight that will bring out the rich colours in a bird’s plumage. Shooting with front lighting often suits birds best, although some species work well when backlit. Soft overcast light is great for revealing plumage detail.