All Photographs by David Lilly
Photographing birds in the snow can create stunning, atmospheric images! Here are some tips for capturing beautiful shots:
1. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
Birds tend to move quickly, so use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s or faster) to freeze their motion. If you want to capture a bird in flight, you’ll need even faster speeds, at least 1/3200s.
2. Adjust Your Exposure
Snow can trick your camera’s metering system into underexposing the image since it’s bright and reflective. To compensate, increase your exposure by 1 or 2 stops or use exposure compensation to avoid underexposing the birds and their surroundings.
3. Consider White Balance
Snow can sometimes give off a bluish tone in photos. You may need to adjust your white balance to correct this or experiment with the cloudy setting for a warmer, natural look. This can be done in post-processing.
4. Use a Telephoto Lens
Birds are often skittish, so a long lens (200mm or more) allows you to shoot from a distance without disturbing them. It also helps create a nice blurred background (bokeh), which makes the birds stand out against the snow.
5. Look for Contrast
Snowy environments can be fairly uniform, so look for color contrast in your shots. A bright red cardinal against white snow or a dark raven in a snowstorm creates a visually appealing focal point.
6. Be Mindful of the Snow’s Texture
Snow can add texture to your photos. Pay attention to how the snow's texture contrasts with the bird's feathers, the way it reflects light, or how it surrounds the bird in the frame. It can add depth and dimension to the image.
7. Focus on the Eyes
Whether you're photographing a bird in flight or perched, make sure the eyes are in focus. Sharp eyes bring life to bird photos and engage the viewer.
8. Keep Your Gear Dry
Snow can be wet and messy. Bring weather-resistant equipment or a rain cover for your camera gear. Also, keep an eye on the lens for fogging or condensation, which can sometimes occur when moving between cold and warm environments.
9. Use a Tripod or Monopod for Stability
A tripod or monopod can help stabilize your camera, especially in low-light or windy conditions, and reduce camera shake, which is important when using longer lenses. In these photos, I used a Tripod.
10. Capture Behavior or Motion
Birds may exhibit interesting behaviors during winter, like foraging for food or fluffing up their feathers to stay warm. Try to capture those moments for more compelling photos.
Do you have a specific bird or type of shot you're aiming for?
Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 200 - 500mm lens
Let me know if you want tips for a certain species or scenario!
Pileated woodpeckers are known for their impressive ability to excavate large cavities in trees, which they use for nesting. When excavating a nest, the female typically selects a mature, dead or decaying tree with soft, spongy wood, as it's easier to drill into. Here's a rough overview of the process:
Choosing the Site: The pair, usually during late winter or early spring, will pick a tree that is either dead or dying and has decayed wood that is softer than living wood. They need this decayed wood for easier excavation.
Excavating the Cavity: Using their strong beaks, Pileated woodpeckers begin hammering away at the trunk or a large branch of the tree. They excavate a cavity that can be around 12-24 inches deep, depending on the species. Their beaks are strong enough to chip away the wood into large, flaked pieces.
Shaping the Nest: As the woodpecker chisels away, the cavity begins to form a round to oval-shaped nest that will comfortably fit the female and her eggs. The walls are usually smooth, and the floor may be slightly concave to help keep the eggs safe.
Use of the Nest: After the nest is complete, the female will lay her eggs (usually 3-5). The male may continue to help maintain the cavity by bringing food to the female and guarding the site. Once the chicks hatch, the parents take turns feeding them and protecting the nest.
After the Nesting Season: Once the chicks fledge, the woodpecker family typically moves on, and the cavity may be used by other birds or animals, such as squirrels, bats, or even other bird species, after the woodpeckers abandon it.
Their excavation marks are often very distinctive, with rectangular holes and large, coarse wood chips scattered around the base of the tree. The pileated woodpecker’s role in forest ecology is vital, as their nesting activity provides habitats for other creatures in the forest.
Male: Bold black-and-white crest (the "hood"), golden eyes, dark back, and chestnut flanks.
Female: Brownish overall with a cinnamon-colored crest, more muted but still distinctive.
Bill: Thin and serrated—perfect for catching fish. Nikon D 500 with a Nikon 500mm 5.6 lens
