Usually I attempt to wait until a bird is on an attractive perch or at least in an an appealing environment. Some birds, however, do not frequent such places often.
The first shot, a Western Yellow Wagtail, was taken in Portugal near some salt pans. I followed this bird for over 15' as he foraged along the mud flats. This was about the best perch/background I could get him on.
The next two shots, are of European Bee-eaters. These birds make their nests in mud banks and spend much of their time either on wires waiting for insects, or on the clay banks they like to dig their nest holes in. Again, not very picturesque, but the beauty of both these species of birds makes up for the lack of environmental attractiveness.
All three of these shots were taken with a Canon R5, a 600 mm f/4.0 lens with a 1.4 extender from a car window.
I found that birds in Europe were much less approachable than many I deal with in North and South America. Rarely would a European bird let me exit the car without flying. Although the guide/driver I had was excellent at maneuvering the car, it still limited my choices as to background and perspective.

Usually I attempt to wait until a bird is on an attractive perch or at least in an an appealing environment. Some birds, however, do not frequent such places often.
The first shot, a Western Yellow Wagtail, was taken in Portugal near some salt pans. I followed this bird for over 15' as he foraged along the mud flats. This was about the best perch/background I could get him on.
The next two shots, are of European Bee-eaters. These birds make their nests in mud banks and spend much of their time either on wires waiting for insects, or on the clay banks they like to dig their nest holes in. Again, not very picturesque, but the beauty of both these species of birds makes up for the lack of environmental attractiveness.
All three of these shots were taken with a Canon R5, a 600 mm f/4.0 lens with a 1.4 extender from a car window.
I found that birds in Europe were much less approachable than many I deal with in North and South America. Rarely would a European bird let me exit the car without flying. Although the guide/driver I had was excellent at maneuvering the car, it still limited my choices as to background and perspective.