How to photograph birds
Show sincere respect for the birds and the places they need to thrive, before getting that perfect shot or sequence. The welfare of the birds and their habitats must come before the photographer’s ambitions.
How to capture bird photos and videos responsibly
Use a telephoto lens and maintain sufficient distance to allow the subject to behave naturally. Camouflaged shelters offer an excellent way to observe and photograph or film birds without disturbing them.
Use flash sparingly (if at all), as a supplement to natural light. Avoid using flash with nocturnal birds (e.g., owls, caprimulids) at night, as it may temporarily limit their ability to hunt or avoid obstacles.
Concern for bird habitat is also essential. Be aware and respectful of your surroundings. Avoid trampling vulnerable vegetation or disturbing other wildlife.
Before sharing specific bird locations with other photographers, videographers, or birders, think carefully about the potential impacts to the birds or their habitats, both individually and cumulatively.
Be cautious with remotely activated cameras. In general, it is acceptable to place a camera trap around fresh prey or in a hiding place, but it is not acceptable to provide bait or other lure to attract an animal. Never use direct flash, as it can temporarily blind owls; it is acceptable to use a flash with a filter that lets in only infrared light.
If your movements cause a bird to become alert (fly or flee) or change its behavior, you are too close. Some birds may "freeze" in place rather than fly, or they may adopt a protective, aggressive, or pre-flight posture. Watch for changes in posture that indicate stressed birds and, if you see them, move away. If they are focused on you, the birds may not be aware of a predator.
Remove GPS data from your images or videos of rare or vulnerable species such as owls.
Never approach birds with the intention of making them fly, whether they are solitary birds or flocks. This interrupts natural processes such as resting, foraging or hunting, and causes them to expend energy unnecessarily.
Do not use drones to photograph or film birds, especially at their nests. Although drones can be useful for researchers and biologists documenting bird populations (such as on island nesting colonies), in general, they can be very harmful to birds.
Nesting birds: special vulnerability
If you use a macro lens or if you include the nest as a focal point in an image or sequence with a wide-angle lens, even if you operate the camera remotely, you are probably too close. Telephoto lenses of at least 500 mm are recommended.
For example, repeatedly walking to a nest can leave a trail of footprints and a scent trail for predators.
Branches or leaves, as they provide essential camouflage and protection from the elements.
They can cause damage and stress to chicks and parents.
Human presence, especially if prolonged, can cause damage such as: preventing parents from leaving the nest to hunt or returning to the nest to feed their young; preventing protection from predators and from hot or cold weather conditions.
Responsible bird attraction
for photography and filming
- First ask yourself if it could be harmful to the bird. Always research the species and its behavior to better understand the answer.
- Bird feeders , whether or not used for photography or videography, should be kept clean, stocked only with appropriate food, and placed with bird safety in mind.
- Never lure birds (including, but not limited to, hawks, owls, eagles, ospreys, and roadrunners) with bait. Bait” includes live animals (such as snakes, fish, mice, crickets, or worms), dead animals or animal parts, processed meat, and lures such as fake mice. Bait can change the behavior of predatory birds in ways that are detrimental to them.
- Breeding bird calls should be used sparingly, and never in the case of endangered birds or birds at critical points in their nesting period. When a bird leaves its nest to pursue or defend its territory from a perceived challenger or predator, eggs or chicks are exposed to predation and weather conditions.
Respect for property and consideration for others.
- Enter private land only with permission. In public properties such as parks and shelters, be aware of local regulations, hours of operation and closed areas.
- Be respectful of birds located on private land but visible from a public viewing point, and also respect the privacy of these private landowners. If they are uncomfortable with your presence, leave.
- In group situations, be considerate of other photographers, cameramen, and birders observing the same bird. Remember that your desire to photograph or film the bird does not trump the right of others to observe it. Large groups of people are potentially more disturbing to birds, so it may be necessary to keep a greater distance.