Blog

Upside down suet bird feeders are a great addition to your bird feeding station or as a stand alone backyard bird feeder, and having used one for many years, the pros far outweigh the cons!

Common loons overwinter on many of our lakes in the southern United States, and wildlife photographers often capture great images of these water birds as they spend the winter and early spring gliding, diving, and foraging along the shore in shallow waters. Of course, the loons are in non-breeding colors (black, white, gray), but this feather display actually works for photographers and produces some stunning black and white images. I’ve found that overcast days with flat light are especially effective for monochrome shots.

Capturing amazing nature photography images doesn’t always require long hikes through the forest during the extreme heat of the summer, or traveling to bird migration destinations. With a little planning, you can set yourself up for success by bringing wildlife to your backyard!

Blue-gray gnatcatchers (Polioptila caerulea) are a common bird species throughout most of the United States, yet capturing a good image of these birds often poses a challenge for nature photographers. However, as with many songbirds, photography success can be achieved with patience, anticipating bird behavior, and being in the right place at the right time (otherwise known as luck).

Nesting woodpeckers are a joy to photograph and offer a big return on time investment. Nesting behavior is an excellent guide to stages in the process, which in turn signal the optimum times for brief observations or extended photo sessions. Additionally, I have found that I can photograph nesting pairs, nestlings, and fledglings without disturbance to the birds or their routine. In large part, this is due to the height of nesting cavities, and by minimizing my movement and always wearing camouflage. In summer, I often find myself beneath subcanopy cover that masks my presence, as well.

A bird colliding with a window can happen at anytime of year. However, during bird migrations in spring and fall, the incidence of bird-window collisions increases as birds are traveling to their new summer or winter homes. I can count on getting a few phone calls throughout the year asking for help with a bird that collided with a house window. This leads to the question, "What can I do for a bird that hits my window?" The answer to that depends on the situation. Audubon suggests calling a wildlife rehabber, and that would certainly be the best approach. Unfortunately, many of us don't have a rehabber nearby, and the task of aiding in the bird's recovery falls on us.