Photographing Wildlife Families

Spring is in the air, and what an exciting time for the nature lover. The land is restoring to a lustrous green, bird songs and frog calls are echoing across the ponds, and babies of all species are just beginning their lives! Many of us (me included) will want to get out to enjoy the sights and sounds of this magical season, and we'll be toting our cameras along to capture it all so we can relive the joyous moments for years to come. In this article I will touch on ways to make sure we remain respectful in our wildlife viewing, and give some tips on how to create those story-telling images you strive for.

Tip: Utilize your surroundings as natural photo blinds, or consider purchasing a hunting blind to view and photograph from. This will allow you better views without disturbing your subject. (Always remember to leave your surroundings unaltered ex. do not break branches, pull weeds, etc.)

Eastern Kingbird adult (Tyrannus tyrannus) feeding young a freshly caught dragonfly. Shot at 300mm while using a nearby bush as a natural photo blind to minimize my impact on the bird's behaviour.

It is important when photographing nesting birds (and all wildlife) that we first understand their behaviour. Baby birds need to eat often, so if you've noticed that the parents are not attending an active nest in your presence, you've unintentionally crossed the line from observing to harassing. The adult birds in this situation view you as a threat, and will not return to the nest to look after their young. As a rule, if I cannot be hidden from sight, I try to let the subject know I am not a threat by moving slowly (or not at all), staying quiet, and keeping my distance. Using a quality telephoto lens of at least 300mm will allow you clear views of your subject while keeping back a respectful distance. If at any time you notice your subject becoming fearful or agitated, slowly pack up your gear and leave them be.

Tip: For sharper images, remember to turn your engine off to minimize vibration and blurring heat coming from your vehicle.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) fledgling on a fence line. Shot from my vehicle window at 300mm on a lightly traveled rural road.

Tip: Consider purchasing, or making your own beanbag camera support for maximum stability while shooting from your vehicle.

A male wood duck (Aix sponsa) perched in a tree near his nesting cavity. Shot at 500mm from my vehicle window using a beanbag camera support for stability.

Often times picture-perfect moments arise while driving. Whether you're running an errand, driving to work, or you've actually set out in search of wildlife, your vehicle can be the ultimate photo blind so long as it's done safely for you and your subject. When shooting from a vehicle there are many things to consider. What are the risks to the subject if you stop to photograph them? What are the risks to yourself? Is there a lot of traffic? Are you able to stop & pull over safely? When deciding whether or not I want to shoot from my vehicle here are some general rules I like to follow: If there is a slight chance that a bird may fly in to traffic, don't shoot. If there is a slight chance that I may be struck by another vehicle, don't shoot. If there is a slight chance that I may draw a crowd due to my lens hanging out the window, don't shoot. If I cannot keep my vehicle a respectful distance from the subject, don't shoot. The most important thing to consider in any wildlife encounter is the safety of the animal. If you think your actions may stress the animal or endanger them in any way, consider yourself lucky to have viewed them briefly and continue on your drive.

Tip: Don't wait for "perfect" weather. Some of the best images ever created have been in inclement weather. If you try to wait for what seems like the perfect time, you're likely to miss out on some great photo opportunities.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) mother looking over her den at dusk on a gloomy spring day. Shot at 500mm while lying behind tall grasses.

Tip: Don't be afraid to get a little dirty. Often times while shooting I will lay on the ground for optimal POV, and find myself covered in mud. It's all part of the experience, and is definitely worth it!

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) pup siblings playing together. Shot at 500mm while lying on the ground for desired point of view.

Tip: Take time to view wildlife without a camera in hand. While in photographer mode we can miss out on simply enjoying the experience, and it is important that we connect to the moment without the distraction of technology.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) pups playing tug-of-war with a vole. Shot at 500mm while lying on the ground for desired point of view.

Lastly, if you've been lucky enough to find a wildlife family, be cautious with sharing locations. Not all who view and photograph wildlife will show the same respect, and can cause damage to nesting/den sites, or even harm the animals themselves. As wildlife lovers, we need to be sure that our main focus is on ethical viewing and photography, and we must do what is in our power to protect wildlife and the environment.

"Take only pictures, leave only footprints."

Happy Trails!

- Shayna Hartley