Shorebird Photography

                 I wrote this post a few months ago during spring migration, but I would think this advice still applies during the breeding season and fall migration.

With spring migration already here, what better way to celebrate than to go out searching for shorebirds? Since I live in Indiana, I love the exoticness and allure shorebirds bring during the short time before most make their journey to the high Arctic. During this time, they are beginning to exhibit their alternate or breeding plumage, which gives you an opportunity to take some great pictures. Depending on where you are in the country, your experience will vary in photographing shorebirds.

Finding Shorebirds

                Obviously before you start photographing shorebirds, you have to go searching for them. A good suggestion given to me before is to check the tides.  Visiting beaches at low tide (and without many beachgoers) will give you the best opportunity to find a variety of peeps and sandpipers. For those not near coastal regions, check drained waterfowl resting areas, flooded fields, and other similar places. Of course, these options will often rely on you bringing a spotting scope, as you may not be able to go onto the property, for legal or safety issues. Now if you’re able to get close to your quarry, we can move onto photography tips.

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Getting Down and Dirty

                Perspective can make all the difference in pictures. This is especially true when shorebirds are your subject. In North America, shorebird size ranges from the smallest least sandpiper to the largest long-billed curlew. Generally, when photographing shorebirds, you will want to get close to the ground as possible. The reason is two-fold:

1.      You will less look like a threat to them and be able to move in close

2.      You will have more intimate images with pleasing backgrounds, usually

Obviously, this will not work all of the time. Some will be skittish while others will be bold around people. In my experience, there is no clear pattern. Over spring break, I had the opportunity to visit Bunche Beach Preserve near Ft. Myers Florida to see a plethora of shorebirds. I was able to get within a few feet of the shorebirds there, and a couple even came up to me!

(https://flic.kr/p/rTM5FE)

Other Tips

                Don’t become frustrated if you’re unable to get good pictures on your first few tries. This takes practice and patience as well as a bit of luck. I also suggest using a makeshift blind, such as your vehicle, and letting the shorebirds come to you. Furthermore, if you’re unsure of where to go see shorebirds, consult a local birding guide for advice. He or she can tell you when and where to go during spring and fall migration and may even take you out to those places.

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