For bird enthusiasts, autumn is a fascinating time of year. As the days get shorter and the weather becomes cooler, hundreds of species make their way south from their summer feeding grounds in the Canadian north. During these few short weeks, Western Canada is the rest stop for some of North America’s most beautiful birds.
Photographing birds in the autumn is truly a labour of love. With a little research and some key pieces of gear, you can capture beautiful images of your most exciting bird sightings.
- A good field guide: Smart phone technology is wonderful for on-the-go research. App versions of the Peterson, Sibley, Audobon, and National Geographic guides are all available through Apple’s App Store, each providing searchable databases, photographs and drawings, maps, and bird sounds.
- Your longest lens: A telephoto lens is a key piece of gear, one that is worth the investment. You will need the power to zoom in on individual birds and capture the exquisite details of their plumage.
- A polarizing filter: Migrating birds tend to flock near a water source, and the reflections can cause haze or glare that will ruin otherwise fantastic images. A polarizing filter is an inexpensive item that will also protect the surface of your long lens.
- Waterproof memory card holders: Raindrops, splashes, and spills can be deadly to an SD card full of images. Waterproof cases for memory cards are an essential for wilderness photography.
- Binoculars or scopes: Using your long lens to spot and identify birds can be unwieldy—many avid birdwatchers prefer binoculars or a tripod-mounted scope to make initial sightings.
- Quick release tripod: The benefits of a sturdy tripod are many—crisp, focused shots, a stable resting spot for heavy, fragile lenses, and precise planning for framing and camera settings. We recommend a tripod with a quick release, so you can easily remove your scope and secure your camera, or release your camera for a spontaneous, hand-held shot.
- A Thermos of hot coffee: Bird photography involves early mornings in chilly weather. Make sure to dress for the elements, and be prepared to wait for the perfect shot.
Customized greeting cards are a wonderful way to share your best bird photos.Upload your file to London Drugs Photolab and we will print your customized cards using the same attention to detail we give all of our prints.
