Bird Photography

[jab2]

I read something interresting in a tutorial on bird photography this weekend. The author say that all birds take off, land and sit facing the wind (a few exceptions). You therefore should plan your photo spots so that your shadow points to the bird and the wind is behind you somewhere in an arc 45 degrees either side of the sun.

I have checked all my bird photos and it seems to be generally true - except for ostriches. Have some photos of Black Oystercatchers and they even feed in an upwind direction.

You guys who are experts on birds, can this be regarded as a general rule or could you elaborate on the statement.

[James Mitchell]

Generally true. Some birds will face whatever direction and turn to take off into the wind.

It also depends on structure around the bird, such as obstacles or branches, and the strength of the wind.

Most will fly away from you, if you are perceived as something that will try to make a meal of them, so stay inconspicuous (yeah, right!).

I watched some kites and an eagle playing around on an escarpment over the Tugela yesterday where they flew into the updraught from the cliff face below. The wind was howling and the birds were really enjoying it. My 75-300 let me down, though. Again.

[Ants - Anthony Robbins]

Ah...now my question is this....

What happens if there is no wind?...

Sounds silly but it happens alot, I have a little bird sanctuary close by to my house and often when I have been there, there has been no wind. This has ...well...blown me away really about where to stand etc. Normally work on the light thing first and then worry about the wind later...if any.

[Fanie]

Ants, have the water level risen after the last rains ?

[Callie]

Ah...now my question is this....

What happens if there is no wind?...

Sounds silly but it happens alot, I have a little bird sanctuary close by to my house and often when I have been there, there has been no wind. This has ...well...blown me away really about where to stand etc. Normally work on the light thing first and then worry about the wind later...if any.

Now, I have posted this topic as my first post here, and there seems to be no real answer! I can vouch that the birds take off in any direction, anytime. If there is a notcieable wind, then yes into the wind, but 95% of the time they just fly away from you and you get very nice tail shots. I often sit in an aivary and try and get them as they take-off from a specific branch to the feeder above, and I still fail to get them
I recon 1/4000s up is what is required, and for that, you need high ISO, even at 12h00.
Keep on trying, you get lucky, sometimes.

[Ants - Anthony Robbins]

Ants, have the water level risen after the last rains ?

Hi Fanie,

Not enough unfortunatly...still need lots more but this is the same every year. There are still a lot of birds around but no more flamingos, and very little others at the moment. Most of the birds that are there are sacred ibis, chicks, adults.....very little gulls.....and then mixed...masked weavers, bishops etc

Still need lots of rain though. I am going to the dam around the corner this weekend to see if maybe they have moved there.....will keep you all up to date with the "Ants's Place"