"birding" fun

[Don Boose]

Glad to see those Hawai'ian birds, Glen. Brings back memories, but I was astonished to see a cardinal like those in my back garden.

Don

[birder]

whulsey thanks I've been having fun wasn't able to get any pics for awhile so find myself looking more for opportunities
Don not to mention all the House Finches there, English Sparrows, other familiar birds in a different setting..quite a few seem more tame, too. I couldn't resist feeding them on the balcony and they hop right into the hotel room..ha
Other cool stuff lots of familiar fish, some that we used to see in the Marshalls years ago..fun to try to identify butterflies, tangs, wrasses ect not unlike birding.

[Kevin WS]

Glen - you are now getting great pics. That new camera was a worthwhile investment, although a decent camera is only half of the story!

[Ckendzierski]

I have what I call the d-day birds. They have the white stripes on their wings showing when in flight. I think they are woodpeckers? Am I right or wrong.

[Don Boose]

Or nighthawks.

[Ckendzierski]

It has the two white stripes on each wing

[birder]

Boy Kevin this one is amazing, faster, sharper I think I’ll be even able to get flying pics. I didn’t realize how technology had advanced with cameras. Thanks for your suggestions also on focusing. The pics are pretty easy having approachable subjects, too. The birds there seem pretty used to being photographed I think

[Kevin WS]

Glen - you should have a "Sports Mode". Switch to this try some birds in flight.

Then try setting up program mode. Off to the camera manual (tip - download the manual and stick it on your phone)!

Once set up you can switch to it when you want to take birds in flight and it should keep your settings.

Set up as follows....

• Use programmable mode.
• Use continuous focus (AF-C on a Nikon, or AI Servo on a Canon)
• Select a focus point - the center point or dynamic auto focus
• Use a sharp aperture
• Set a fast shutter speed - start with 1/1200th of a second and adjust once you can see results.
• Set the camera to take in bursts.

Some tips when shooting...

• Try shooting with both eyes open. You can track the bird easier and also see what is in front it.
• Don't use a short depth-of-field. If you need more light to increase your shutter speed, rather use a higher ISO.
• Shoot with your back to the sun. If you can.

Good luck! Practice on seagulls if you are near the sea!

[birder]

Thanks for the tips Kevin, hope I can figure out some of that program. Even the auto setting is much faster finding a flying bird than I've ever had, quite fun!
C- not sure that's enough description to be helpful but quite a few woodpeckers do have noticeable wing bands. A pic would make it pretty easy, though.

[Ckendzierski]

I am hopping to get feeders up Sunday after this next rain storms to get some pics of the visiting birds