Bird Calling: Your Secret Weapon for Incredible Bird Photos

^{Note: This tip was inspired by Tobie Schalkwyk’s free eBook - Bird Photography: Knowing Your Subjects}

In the world of bird photography, capturing the perfect image is not just about having a keen eye; it’s about engaging all senses, particularly hearing.

Understanding and using bird sounds can significantly enhance the quality of your photographs. This skill allows photographers to anticipate bird behavior, locate elusive species, and capture birds in more natural and dynamic poses.

Tip #1 -  The first step in integrating bird sounds into your photography is learning to recognize different bird calls and songs. Bird sounds are not merely background noise, but vital communication tools birds use to attract mates, declare territory, and signal alarms. Photographers who learn these sounds can anticipate a bird's behavior and position themselves accordingly.

Tip #2 - Resources for learning bird sounds include online databases, mobile apps, and field guides that provide audio recordings alongside visual identification keys. Regular field practice, listening to recordings, and attending bird watching groups or workshops can accelerate learning. By developing a solid auditory understanding, photographers can discern specific bird species even in visually obscured environments, such as dense foliage or misty conditions.

Once familiar with various bird sounds, photographers can use this knowledge to locate and approach their subjects without causing distress. Birds that are singing or calling are often stationary, providing a prime opportunity for photography. Photographers can find the bird without aimlessly searching by following the sound, saving time and energy.

Tip #3 - However, approaching birds requires tact. Loud or sudden movements can scare them away. Photographers should move slowly and quietly, using natural cover for concealment. Understanding bird behavior, signaled through their calls, can reveal the best approach. For instance, a repeated territorial call might indicate that the bird is likely to stay in the area, while an alarm call suggests the bird is aware of the photographer’s presence and may flee.

Bird sounds are useful for locating and approaching subjects and for capturing dynamic interactions and natural poses.

Birds communicating with one another, whether through songs or calls, often exhibit more animated behaviors and expressions. Photographers who can recognize these interactions can anticipate and capture compelling moments.

Tip #4 - Playing bird sounds, such as songs or calls, can sometimes attract birds out into the open. This technique should be used sparingly and ethically to avoid causing stress or harm to the birds. The responsible bird photographer must understand the ethical considerations and impact on wildlife.

In conclusion, bird sounds are an invaluable resource for bird photographers. By learning to recognize and interpret these sounds, photographers can improve their ability to locate subjects, anticipate behavior, and capture dynamic and natural imagery. However, it's crucial to balance this knowledge with ethical practices.

Want more? If you want to learn more about bird photography, and capture beautiful shots of your own, we recommend downloading and printing out Photzy’s 10 Bird Photography Cheat Sheets (Special bonus available now!)