The best time to photograph birds.

Red-necked grebe sitting on a clutch of eggs.

One of the best times to photograph birds is in the spring.  There are a host of reasons for this.  Some of them are listed below.  Note:  links will take you to other blogs I have written on that particular bird.

  • Migration - There are many bird species that migrate to nesting grounds during the spring.  Some of these will be transients (birds that do not live in the region but use it to get to their destination) and are rare encounters for that area.  Example: surf scooter
  • Breeding season behaviours - Males, and sometimes females, may have ingrained mating behaviours that provide exceptional photo opportunities.  You have to be at the right place at the right time for this, but it is always photogenic and awesome to watch.  Example:  dusky grouse (link to follow)
  • Breeding plumage - Birds replace feathers in the same way that we replace hair.  One difference though is that the spring moult may provide an exquisitely colourful bird (usually the male) that is not seen again until the following year.  As well, feathers take a beating and will become bedraggled and faded over time and are at their peak early in the mating season.  Example:  hooded merganser
  • Nesting - Some of my best photos have been taken while a bird is incubating eggs or the young are under-wing.  Parents feeding nestlings is another spectacular time to capture images.  Example:  red-necked grebe
  • Fledged chick photography - Who doesn't like the photo of a mother bird with her chicks?  After the chicks have fledged they are still highly dependent upon their parents for feeding, protection, and imprinting.  It's a great time to capture heart-warming images.  Example:  western grebe
  • Foraging - With a young family to feed, parents are often engaged in the task of finding food for the ravenous youngsters.  They may be away, coming to, or at the nest.  Example:  red-winged blackbird
Spring is always an exciting time for wildlife photographers.  So much life and activity!  I am looking forward to next year's opportunities.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

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