Focusing On Fast Moving Birds

^{Note: This tip comes from page 16 in Tobie Schalkwyk’s free eBook - Bird Photography: Photographing Birds of Prey}

OSPREYS, FISH EAGLES, AND OTHER FISH HUNTERS

Do not be deceived by National Geographic’s perception that it’s easy to photograph these birds as they pluck a fish out of the water!

I have heard that many of these shots are staged by letting a fish carcass float on top of the water, and I must say I don’t need much convincing!

Obviously, a fast-focusing lens and a lot of patience are significant assets in this case!

If you see one of these birds perched at the water’s edge, wait it out.

Something is guaranteed to happen – it’s only a matter of time!

When it does, keep on refocusing as you follow the bird in flight.

When the bird extends its talons as it prepares to grab the prey, start with continuous shooting at the highest rate your camera allows.

Give it a second or two to let your camera buffer catch up, then resume shooting as it leaves with its prey.

Raptor photographers are spoiled for choice as far as opportunities are concerned.

Day, night, flying, perched, hunting, observing, and many other situations!

These opportunities are a function of how much time we spend looking for birds and our patience and knowledge of them.

Common sense is also a virtue from time to time!

Good luck, and keep shooting!

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!)