How to Photograph Birds in Action

Catching a shot of a bird in action can be simpler than you would think. Try these two tips and you may notice more opportunities to catch that fun shot:

One: Set your camera settings to a fast shutter speed, 1/1000 or faster (or “action” setting)

Flying Away:

I can’t tell you how many times I lurk around, finally see a bird, focus my lens on it, and it flies away. That can be maddening, or you could set yourself up for success by knowing that those are perfect opportunities to capture a bird in flight. Birds are busy little creatures, so they’ll always be quick and typically don’t stay long. Get your camera ready, and you might get some “on accident” shots that end up being keepers.

Feather Fluffing

Birds fluffing their feathers can make for such fun shots. You get to see more details and colors when they do, and it’s just really exciting to capture. This often happens super fast, and it’s usually not predictable. This is another reason to set that shutter speed to as fast as you can while still having enough light, and then keep your finger on the shutter to capture that feather-fluffing moment!

Two: Head outside during times when birds are most active

Before or After Rain

Before and after rain are really active times for birds, and in part it’s due to food. Before rain, they’re trying to load up so they can ride out the storm, and after rain is often when worms and insects are out. It may feel a little weird to arrange your birding schedule around rain, but it can make for some exciting action shots.

Morning Meal Times

Heading out in nature in the morning doesn’t always work well around my work schedule, but when I can fit it in, there is almost always action. Birds are out first thing in the morning to eat after a long night staying warm. I could head out to the same spot in the morning, and then again in the afternoon, and the difference in activity is huge: aim for morning!

Spring Nesting Season

Spring is WILD for capturing bird activity. Birds are busy collecting nest material, males are trying to attract females… you almost can’t miss if you head outside on a warm spring morning.

Happy photographing!

~ Kristen