Discover the Hidden World of Birds by Looking Carefully

^{Note: This tip was written by guest author Tobie Schalkwyk.}

^{If you’re interested in improving your bird photography skills, check out and download Photzy’s 10 Bird Photography Cheat Sheets}

I know. Perhaps you’re thinking: “Of course, without my eyes, I can’t take any photographs, duh!’. 

I’m not talking about ‘looking,’ though. I’m talking about ‘looking’! Looking to see more than the obvious. Let me explain.

Birds are not only in trees or the air.

Take these tips from me and thank me later:

Tip #1 - When walking down a hiking trail and entering a corner, slow down and comb the scene before you. Yes, trees, too, but what is on the ground? The bare and sandy nature of hiking trails makes it easy for you to spot things and birds to find things. That’s where they pick up insects, clearly visible without cover. That’s where raptors see snakes or hares basking in the sun (may you be that lucky!). That’s where I’ve seen woodpeckers or other birds finishing off ants in ant trails on numerous occasions!

Tip #2 - When walking down a hiking trail with semi-open but dark shadowy areas next to you, look for night jars (night hawks). They sleep on the ground, well camouflaged between fallen leaves, in semi-open regions where they can quickly escape in times of danger. If you don’t slow down or stop for a moment while checking out the ground around you, you will never see it!

Birds use techniques to stay ‘hidden.’

Tip #3 - They freeze. This is primarily true for raptors, trying to be ‘invisible’ to you and the birds around them, which may chase them if they detect their presence. If you see it, this works in your favor for a nice shot! Come to a slow stop if you’re walking instead of a sudden stop, which is a giveaway sign that it has been spotted. Move your camera slowly into position so you don’t spook it, and while your subject is in freeze mode, try out a few different settings on your camera.

Tip #4 - They camouflage. Get into the habit of not just ‘looking’ at trees. Purposefully fine-comb each branch, looking for the slightest sign that you’re not only looking at a branch. Remember that some owls (also using the freezing technique above) are very well camouflaged against the bark of trees. Or you may only see its face as it peeks out of a hole in the tree.

Summary

If you go on a bird shoot and don’t look to see more than the obvious, you’ll miss out on many great shots. Since you’re making the effort to be there, make the most of it—use your eyes!

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!)