David Dennis Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

I live in Palm Beach County, Florida, so there are a lot of great places here for getting BIF photos.

I have no problem getting birds in flight as they head away from me, but it's very difficult to get them as they come in my direction. It seems that as soon as I see one coming my way, it's overhead by the time I get my camera up, and I can only see the back side by the time I have the camera aimed and focused.

I have been trying to look further away and anticipate the activity of birds about to come in range, but it seems like most of the birds I can find stay stubbornly away from me, and those that show up are sudden.

Any tips on how to find the birds before they are already on me?

Thanks :)

David

tk Loc: Iowa

David, been there, done that. I even started a thread for Butt-in-flight because I knew everyone of these big photo guys had those kinds of shots hidden away. Got a lot of responses.

Open a beer and wait. Best advice I've got! Keep trying!

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

You're right, David, it can be quite frustrating when it seems that the only pictures you get are from behind. While it really helps to be ready, that is only part of the answer. The real solution is to put yourself where there are lots of birds likely to be flying near you. That may sound trite and obvious but you will have more opportunities if you find places where birds are actively feeding, or flocking. For example, I get great shots of terns at a local wildlife refuge when I find a flock that is intent on feeding in a tidal channel. They tend to ignore me after a while if I don't get too close. I also get better shots if I shoot from a blind, most often my car. If I find an active osprey nest,I will stake it out and wait for something to happen.

What it comes down to in the end is that you must learn as much as you can about the birds: their habits, likely habitats and feeding patterns etc AND have the patience to wait for the birds to get used to your presence and go back to doing what they do natutrally.

Wearing quiet colors, moving slowly and smoothly, and keeping your outline hidden will all improve your chances.

I can't tell you how many cloacal shots I have erased over the years. Just keep at it, have patience and have fun!

David Dennis Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

It is trite and obvious, but what's remarkable is that this is a truth many are surprisingly good at neglecting :).

In short, don't concentrate on finding the occasional bird flying, instead go to where there are more birds in flight to absorb, and you are much more likely to find what you want.

I've been going to Green Cay Nature Center because it's prettier, but I should go to Wakodohatchee Wetlands because that's where larger concentrations of birds are :).

Let's see if that improves my shots :)

D

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I see that your in West Palm Beach. I would find a Salt Marsh that you can access from land, go at Low Tide and watch the birds fly in and out for feeding. A Salt Marsh at Low Tide gives you the best opportunity to catch these birds. High Tide, water to deep and your wasting your time. Water birds have limit time to feed during low tides and will ignore you for the most part, allowing you to get much closer than birds on land