All Photographs by David Lilly
Photographing birds in your backyard can be a rewarding experience! Here are some tips to help you capture great images:
1. Know Your Subjects
Research Local Birds: Familiarize yourself with the types of birds that frequent your area, including their behaviors and feeding patterns.
2. Choose the Right Equipment
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a good zoom lens (at least 200mm) is ideal.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod can help stabilize your shots, especially in low light.
Lens: A telephoto lens will help you get close-ups without disturbing the birds.
3. Set Up a Feeding Station
Bird Feeders: Use feeders stocked with seeds, suet, or nectar to attract birds.
Water Source: A birdbath can entice birds to come and drink or bathe.
4. Be Patient and Quiet
Minimize Movement: Birds can be skittish, so stay still and quiet.
Watch and Wait: Be prepared to spend time observing before you start shooting.
5. Optimal Timing
Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography.
Seasonal Considerations: Different birds come at different times of the year; consider seasonal migrations.
6. Composition and Background
Focus on the Bird: Use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and highlight the bird.
Natural Settings: Try to include elements like branches or flowers for a more appealing composition.
7. Use the Right Settings
Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion (1/500s or faster).
Aperture: A wide aperture (f/4 to f/6.3) can help blur the background.
ISO: Adjust your ISO for lighting conditions; higher ISO may be necessary in low light.
8. Practice Ethical Bird Photography
Respect Wildlife: Avoid getting too close to nests or disturbing the birds.
Keep a Safe Distance: Use your zoom lens to capture close-ups without intruding.
9. Review and Learn
Analyze Your Shots: After your session, review your photos to see what worked and what didn’t.
Experiment: Try different angles, lighting conditions, and settings to improve your skills. With practice and patience, you'll be able to capture beautiful images of the birds in your backyard!
A single robin can eat a substantial amount of berries, particularly during the peak berry season. On average, a robin may consume around 30 to 100 berries a day, depending on availability and its energy needs. They often eat various berries, including those from holly, mulberry, and serviceberry bushes.
Berries are generally low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, common berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various phytonutrients, making them a nutritious food source.
In preparation for migration, robins typically increase their body weight by about 20-30%. This weight gain helps provide the energy needed for their long flights. Depending on the size of the individual robin, this can amount to a few grams, which is significant considering their overall body weight.
Robins migrate varying distances depending on their specific population. In North America, many eastern robins migrate between their breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to wintering areas in the southern U.S. and Mexico. This journey can be around 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Some robins, especially those in milder climates, may not migrate at all and instead remain year-round in their habitat.
The Robins in the photographs are the last migrating birds I have seen this fall. They have lots of berry trees, and thus, from my count, there would be at least 50 plus in a flock.
