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!
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small, nonmigratory songbird found throughout North America, primarily in forests and woodlands, but also in suburban and urban areas. It’s particularly common in the northern parts of the continent and can be seen year-round in places with cold winters, like Canada and the northern U.S.
Physical Description:
Size: Small, about 4.5 to 5.5 inches (11–14 cm) long.
Plumage: The bird has a distinctive black cap on its head, a black throat (bib), and white cheeks. Its back is generally gray-brown, and its underside is white or light gray.
Beak: Short and stout, adapted for cracking seeds.
Tail: Fairly long and often fanned out.
Behavior and Habitat:
Habitat: Chickadees prefer mixed forests, but can also thrive in residential areas, parks, and even backyard feeders.
Diet: They are omnivores, eating a variety of foods including insects, seeds, berries, and nuts. They are also known to cache food—hiding it in the bark or crevices of trees to eat later during the winter.
Vocalization: The Black-capped Chickadee is named after its distinctive "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call, which is a warning or contact call. They also produce a high-pitched "fee-bee" song during the breeding season.
Interesting Facts:
Winter Survival: Chickadees can lower their body temperature slightly during cold nights to conserve energy, a behavior known as "torpor." They can survive in harsh winter conditions due to their ability to cache food and regulate their body temperature.
Curiosity and Intelligence: They are curious birds and will often approach people, especially if you’re near food. This inquisitiveness is also linked to their ability to solve problems, such as remembering the locations of their food caches.
Social: Chickadees are social birds, often seen in mixed-species flocks during the fall and winter.Their small size, curiosity, and bold nature make them a favorite among bird watchers. Have you ever spotted one, or are you looking to attract them to your area?
