Maybe one of the toughest “disciplines,” but also one of the most rewarding. Bird photos aren’t always easy — especially free-roaming animals when you’re out doing mixed nature photography. And when you’re a newbie and still figuring out the camera, you get those little “defeats.” The models don’t help at all, and the hardest part is even getting a clean look at the little guy — leaves and branches make that tough. But sometimes you’ve gotta grab the chance. Here are a few of those.
Starling
This starling wouldn’t sit still — hopping branch to branch. Took some work, but I got a half-decent shot. Shutter speed was kinda slow, so I got a little lucky.
Starling. R10, RF18-150 at 150mm, ISO100, f/8, 1/160, AF Animal Track
Hoopoe
With this hoopoe and the tele, quality jumped a lot — shutter speed was finally more in line with those nervous little micro-movements these small birds make.
Photobones: this one’s a bit better, but don’t get cocky — you’re not winning any contest with it
Yeah, fair — but it felt so good to get it. I spent almost an hour chasing a few of these just to land one usable frame.
Common stonechat
This little coastal cutie was pretty far out, and we’re looking at a nice tight crop of the shot. Having little birds perched this chill is perfect for a photo.
Iberian magpie
This is one of the ones I’ve enjoyed the most. I was sitting at a campsite plot, camera right on the table, reviewing the day’s shots. Late afternoon, but still good light. This gorgeous Iberian magpie showed up in one of the trees, and without moving much so I wouldn’t spook it, I got this frame. Not a stunner, but it came out pretty nice — thanks to the tree and background colors, perfect for making this bird’s beautiful plumage pop.
Photobones: okay, this one passes — but next time shoot with a bit more shutter speed.
Hey! I shot it exactly how the camera was set — didn’t have time to fiddle much…😅
Ducklings
Yeah, I know — this one maybe belonged in “Duck hunt,” but who can resist ducklings with their mom? This family scene at one of the Ruidera lagoons had all the ingredients. Afternoon light, almost golden hour, the reeds, the water, the ducks. Not much else to say — these shots are super rewarding and easier to set up. I love the water texture and that gradual blur on the little ones. 😍
Iberian green woodpecker
I spotted this gorgeous bird in the park, stuck sideways to a tree trunk. Backlit, they’re crazy hard to see — but when I was ready to shoot, it bolted to a nearby tree. I followed, but it already had me “pegged,” so every time I got closer it took off somewhere else. Eventually I lost it — no photo. Left me hanging, so the next day I went out on purpose to try again. After a couple hours of quiet searching (I tried to stay as hidden as possible and avoid the more open paths), I found it on a thinner tree. It was still far and a bit backlit — not ideal — but at least I had the goods. I picked the best one to edit, and honestly I pulled the shadows back really well. Here’s the result. Beautiful animal.
Photobones: so what’d you learn from all this?
Honestly, I gotta admit it would’ve been better to ditch Manual and use Av (shutter priority), switch to AF SERVO instead of ONE SHOT — those two alone would’ve saved me from burning time between shots redoing everything. Birds have zero patience. Oh — and silent shutter too; they’ve got good ears, and at the first click — airborne!