Scouting for places from which to photograph birds visiting the feeders.

This weekend I planned to discover the possible vantage points from which to take photos of birds (or squirrels) visiting the garden feeders.

Since the birds are exceedingly shy (and fast) either to be hidden from view or at a great distance would appear to be the first options.

I have initially identified three possible sites; two overlook the feeders at the front, with the third overlooking the patio

SITE 1:

• From the upstairs window that overlooks the feeders. I hoped to use a tripod for this, and would be completely hidden from the birds.

Findings:
Indeed the birds were undisturbed. Unfortunately the window is not large and opens outwards and upwards, with a quite restricted view. For one feeder it was impossible to use the tripod as the camera could be placed neither at the right angle nor close enough to the opening ( I did attempt using the tripod as a monopod).

The image below uses the tripod as a monopod. This proved exceptionally cumbersome and unstable, so if I wish to shoot from here the camera will have to be hand held.

f/22; ISO 200; 0.80 sec; focal length 133mm

For such an incredibly slow shutter speed the clarity is amazing (or plain lucky!). For all other shots I increased the aperture so that shutter speed could be increased.


The next group of photos were also taken from the upstairs bedroom, using the tripod. By this time my husband had kindly trimmed back excess foliage which compromised the images (Thanks Andrew!!).

f/5.6; ISO 200; 1/20 sec; focal length 190mm

Increasing the aperture did enable a faster shutter speed, but the lighting was so poor (and this was at 1pm - maximum light!) that the shutter speed was still too slow, so the birds are quite blurred.


For the next photos I increased the ISO number so that again I could reduce the shutter speed.

f/5.6; ISO 400; 1/50 sec; focal length 114mm

The shutter speed is still too slow to prevent blurring of the movement of the birds.

f/5.6; ISO 400; 1/50 sec; focal length 96mm


For the next 4 photos I opened the aperture to the maximum possible for the lens to try to increase shutter speed.

f/4.6; ISO 400; 1/100 sec; focal length 158mm

f/4.5; ISO 400; 1/50 sec; focal length 149mm

f/4.5; ISO 400; 1/50 sec; focal length 149mm

f/4.5; ISO 400; 1/50 sec; focal length 149mm

The clarity and focus have improved. Unfortunately I struggle with a tripod so the image is not positioned as I might wish.



SITE 2:

• From the downstairs lounge window next to the feeders. I hoped here to again use the tripod to either shoot through an open window, or with the door open.

Unfortunately the tripod cannot get sufficiently close to the window, and the camera would be so high to make it unworkable for me.
The door seemed a good second option - but it opens to the left - which means the door is between the feeders and the lounge when open. The photos below were taken hand held as I stood just behind the open door.

These photos were all taken at 14.40pm, with the fog beginning to descend and the light beginning to fade fast. For this reason I increased the ISO to 800 in an attempt to attain a reasonably fast shutter speed. Even at ISO 800 the speeds were too slow.

f/4.9; ISO 800; 1/40 sec; focal length 190mm

f/4.5; ISO 800; 1/25 sec; focal length 70mm

f/4.5; ISO 800; 1/40 sec; focal length 149mm

f/4.5; ISO 800; 1/60 sec; focal length 141mm



SITE 3:

• From the upstairs back bedroom window, overlooking the patio. Here the window is large and opens to the right giving a perfect view of the garden whilst I remain hidden to the birds (although they do sense any large movements).

There are 2 photos here. By now the light was poor, and I used ISO 1600 and a tripod. Shutter speed is certainly adequate, although this ISO setting will obviously detract from the final image clarity. The problem encountered here was the auto focus of the camera. In the first shot the wooden support is in focus; in the second it is the feeder.

f/4.8; ISO 1600; 1/100 sec; focal length 179mm

f/4.8; ISO 1600; 1/160 sec; focal length 179mm


A fourth site within the house is possible - from the room which directly overlooks the patio. The patio door can be opened to give a clear view of the garden and feeders and a tripod set up inside.


Action / Learning Points:

• To investigate taking photos from the patio door
• To take more photos from the lounge door
• To use the tripod exclusively until I become comfortable with it
• To take photos from the bedroom overlooking the patio
• To use manual focus more until I am comfortable with it
• To use 'live view' on the camera more
• To discover more sites where I am hidden from the birds from which photos can be taken
• To explore the use of other aids ( e.g. remote controls?)