An introduction to stalking and fieldcraft for bird photographers

For many bird photographers, stalking a bird to get a picture is a great pleasure; perhaps it is the primeval hunting instinct coming to the fore, without the desire, or the need, to actually capture the bird— except as a digital image!

This Wilson’s phalarope vagrant turned up one autumn in the southwest of England. It was hard to stalk at first, but by sitting close to its favoured feeding spot, he became more accepting.
500mm lens | ISO 200 | 1/350 sec at ƒ/5.6
Stalking is simply moving in close to a bird on foot—often by exercising stealth and the use of techniques to help communicate to the bird that you are not a threat. Successful stalking is less about pitting your wits against a bird and more about having a bird accept you into its environment, and it is immensely rewarding in itself.
Once you have spotted a bird you wish to move in close to and before you even take the first step, ensure that your camera is on, your exposure is sorted, and you are ready to take pictures. Decide, too, whether you will be kneeling or standing up, so that your tripod legs are at an appropriate height—you don’t want to be in the optimum position and find you have to adjust your gear, as this may flush the bird.
Once you are ready, start your approach, 101 holding your tripod in front of you. Each time the bird stops feeding and looks or cranes its neck, freeze; then, once the bird is relaxed again, take a few more steps, making sure there are no sudden movements. It is a good idea not to walk directly toward your bird, but to take an angle, as the bird is likely to feel less threatened by this method. As you move closer, stop and take pictures; the bird will become used to the sound of the shutter and your presence.
Every time this female common merganser with her brood put her head underwater, searching for food, the photographer moved a little closer.
500mm lens | ISO 160 | 1/350 sec at ƒ/6.7
With practice you will be able to detect when a bird is not comfortable and is likely to fly and, similarly, when your subject is relaxed, you will recognize the body language that reflects this. Never harass a bird that keeps flying ahead of you, because eventually it will fly away completely.

Pro tip

When stalking, try not to point your lens or look directly at the bird until you are within range. If stalking a large bird, try not to shut off its escape route—remember big birds will always take off into the wind. Finally, try stalking with just your camera and tripod; don’t lug your backpack with you, as this is bound to be heavy and cumbersome.
The Bird Photography Field Guide is David Tipling’s expert reference to teach you everything you need to know about capturing birds in all their beauty. With useful advice on the essential equipment and photographic techniques, as well tips on composition to get you thinking more creatively, you’ll be taking superb photos that show off your subject in the best possible way.

The Bird Photography Field Guide
David Tipling
 
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RRP for print edition: £8.99