Before You Go Seeking Birds to Photograph

If you’re eager to capture stunning shots of your feathered friends, preparation is half the battle. That said - there's nothing wrong with just going for a wander and seeing what you can see - and I do this plenty of times.

But a little planning can go a long way with bird photography, especially if you're on a trip, headed to a new location or are seeking a specific bird - or maybe you just have limited time to get out birding and want to make the most of it.

Being in the right place, at the right time, with the right tools will significantly increase your chances of coming home with some great shots.

Here's some 'bird photography homework' to help you get the best results before you even step outside.

1. Do Your Bird Research

Knowing which species are likely to be around will give you a big advantage. Research the birds in your area by checking birding apps like eBird or scrolling through local birdwatching groups on Facebook. Look for recent sightings of migratory birds, breeding activity, or unusual visitors.

This preparation helps you set realistic expectations and gives you a better chance of capturing something special. If you’re building your portfolio, being intentional about where you go and which birds you’re targeting is a huge step forward in bird photography planning.

BONUS TIP 🌟

Chasing a particular bird? Try to memorise the bird's call and identifying features beforehand - I find it's best not to rely on using apps that require a mobile connection - in Australia at least - there's no guarantee of mobile coverage in the field! I personally don't use calling apps to attract birds due to ethical reasons.

2. Check the Weather and Tides

Knowing what to expect with weather conditions really helps me decide on the best timing for light and position. Clouds or fog forecast? No need to go too early. Bright sun? Set the alarm. Wind changing direction or picking up? Best to know in advance so you can plan accordingly. I find windy days difficult as it makes it hard to hear calls and birds tend to be less active. I'll usually reschedule a trip if strong winds are on the cards.

If you're on the coast, checking tides is crucial, especially for shorebirds as it may limit your access to certain areas in estuaries. Outgoing tide is best, as it exposes those tasty morsels that will see birds gathering to feed - and you don't have to worry about getting caught out with rising waters.

BONUS TIP 🌟

Wind direction can also also be a factor - water birds will face into the wind when 'bobbing' and larger birds like to take off and land into the wind. Species-specific weather conditions that can avoid disappointment if you're chasing a particular bird. Watching the wrong end of birds for an hour or more can be very frustrating - been there, done that!

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3: Know the Sun's Position

Knowing the sun's exact rising and setting position is also very helpful - I use PhotoPills ahead of time to keep me in the loop, so I can plan my positioning and timing. You might want to seek out a spot for backlit shots and bokeh effect and utilise side-lighting. I like knowing exactly where the sun will be and I'll often plan an 'itinerary' so I know roughly where I need to be at what time to achieve certain shots.

BONUS TIP 🌟

The sun can't be rising over the water if you want to shoot shorebirds for any length of time - you've got about 15 minutes after sunrise to shoot towards the sun and then it will be very difficult to get a good shot.

4. Only Pack Essential Gear

It’s tempting to bring every piece of kit you own, but carrying too much gear often means sore shoulders and missed opportunities. Instead, focus on the essentials:

• Camera body and main lens

• Spare battery and back-up memory card (yes they do fail occasionally!)

• Lens cloths for dust or sea spray - I always have at least one in my pocket

• A lightweight tripod or monopod if you prefer extra stability

• Tissue or toilet paper for behind-the-tree pitstops if you're going remote (please carry tissue home with you, I use a small ziplock bag and flush later).

I tend to leave water, snacks and extra lenses in my vehicle and carry a very small over-the-shoulder bag with the above essentials so I'm as light as possible.

I personally find backpacks too cumbersome and inaccessible unless I'm on a really long outing - and you get a sweaty back 😝

Keeping your gear light and easy to access helps you stay nimble when that zippy bird suddenly appears out of the blue!

My current favourite bag: found for $5 at a second-hand shop. Multiple compartments and very light.

5. Dress for Comfort and Stealth

Birds are more likely to stick around if you blend in. Choose muted, natural tones, greens, browns, greys that don’t stand out against the landscape. No bright white or all-over black! Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, sturdy footwear for uneven ground, and a hat for sun protection if you need to.

And don’t forget the practicals: insect repellent for mozzies, or a waterproof jacket if you’re heading out after rain.

I love a good pair of quality 'gumboots' that feel like a walking shoe but offer solid water protection for wading through streams or estuaries. I have several pairs of knee length waterproof boots which greatly increases the areas I can access and offer some snake protection as well as a shield for prickly foliage and burrs.

Yacht boots on the left and the longer thin rubber 'My Tribe' boots on the right

I like these Burke 'Sea boots' which are easy to slip on and off:

https://www.anacondastores.com/fishing/fishing-clothing/burke-marine-mens-sea-boots/BP90194725-black-grey

And I have a couple of pairs of these thin rubber boots which are excellent for deeper water and mud, but they are a bit harder to get on and off (I have chunky calves!):

https://www.mytribeboots.com/products/green-glamazons

A comfortable photographer is a patient photographer, and there's nothing worse than needing to cut an outing short because you're not prepared or something is bugging you!

6. Know Your Camera

The last thing you want is to be fiddling with buttons when the perfect shot appears. Set up your camera at home so you’re ready to roll:

• Use continuous autofocus (AF-C/AI Servo) for moving subjects

• Set custom buttons for quick access to useful combinations (see below)

• Check your ISO limits to balance shutter speed and noise

• Practice quick adjustments for exposure

Ideally you want to be able to quickly change all 3 settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder. If this is too much of a stretch, use Auto ISO, set your aperture to the widest open setting and then just adjust your shutter speed to what you need to get a sharp image, depending on the type of bird or bird action you're trying to capture. It's a good starting point that avoids overwhelm and missed shots.

You might like to download my free settings guides which have a range of settings to aim for different bird and action scenarios. They are images you can save to your phone to refer to in the field.

BONUS TIP 🌟

I set up 2 custom settings on C1 and C2 my main dial: one for birds in flight and one for spot metering stationary birds with a small focus pointer. Helps me catch a bird in a tricky location or lighting. I can quickly switch from my standard shooting mode and it helps me avoid missed shots.

7. Respect the Birds and Their Habitat

The number one rule for me is ethical bird photography that puts the bird first. Unfortunately bird photographers are getting a bad reputation for certain species for unethical practices and I've witnessed people playing calls on repeat hundreds of times 😟 Not only is it annoying to listen to, but we don't know the damage it is doing. At the very least it is confusing and stressing the bird and probably disrupting breeding cycles.

Avoid getting too close to nests or parents with juveniles. Keep your distance from shy species, and avoid disturbance in general. Respect your birds and they will (sometimes!) respect you and reward you with a great shot - if they are comfortable with your presence.

I play recorded calls at home multiple times and repeat the name of the bird as I listen - it works really well to 'program' the calls into my memory. I also get my shots and then move on especially when juveniles are involved. Pursuing a particular bird for hours on end is not a good practice.

Your images will be far more rewarding when you know you’ve captured them responsibly.