Tips for Spotting Birds and Snapping Great Photos

Are you eager to spot more birds and capture their beauty through your camera lens? Bird photography is a delightful hobby that brings you closer to nature, and the more you know about birds, the better your chances of getting amazing shots. Let’s chat about the essential things to learn that’ll help you find and photograph a variety of birds.

1. Get to Know Bird Behaviour

Birds have their own routines and quirks, and observing these can be a game changer for photographers. If you understand when and where birds like to eat, nest, and migrate, you’ll be in the right place at the right time. For example:

• Feeding Patterns: Birds often feed early in the morning or near water. Being there at those times means more photo opportunities.
• Nesting and Breeding: During breeding season, birds display vivid colours and interesting behaviours—perfect for photos!
• Territorial Displays: Some birds are quite dramatic when defending their turf. These moments can make for spectacular shots.

2. Sharpen Your Bird Identification Skills

Spotting a bird is one thing—knowing which bird you’re looking at is another! The more familiar you are with their shapes, colours, and flight styles, the easier it gets. And don’t forget their songs and calls; sometimes you’ll hear a bird before you see it. This exactly is what I do for my students.  While in field, I share my knowledge and experience of several decades with my students. Keoladev National Park, Bharatpur is our richest source where we visit to spot birds each day.

3. Learn About Habitats and Where Birds Hang Out

Every bird has a favourite hangout, whether it’s a wetland, forest, or city park. If you know which species prefer which habitats, you can plan your outings and increase your chances of spotting something amazing.

• Learn about local birding hotspots and see what’s being sighted in your area. Of course, I am there for help, if you need me as your coach.
• You can also look for birdwatching groups online or better still, keep in touch with me for the next trips and sightings.

4. Follow Migration and Seasonal Patterns

Many birds are world travelers and Bharatpur is known worldwide for its migratory birds flocking to the national park here in winter season. If you study their migration patterns, you’ll know when to expect rare or seasonal visitors—so you won’t miss out!

5. Practice Friendly and Respectful Birding

It’s important to remember that birds are wild creatures, and our job is to observe without disturbing them. Here are a few simple guidelines:

• Keep a respectful distance—use a zoom lens instead of getting too close.
• Don’t interrupt feeding or nesting; patience pays off.
• Follow any local rules for wildlife photography.
• If you visit the national park wearing bright and strong coloured garments it is the surest way to keep the birds (your coveted subjects of interest) away from you!  Likewise, wearing perfume is also a big No, No!   You need to wear clothes that would mix up with vegetation. 
• I often pity on those groups of people – mostly tourists who keep talking in loud voices and then show their disappointment for not spotting any important bird.  Learn to whisper in the park, if you must communicate with your friends or even with me. You must not startle the birds else they will fly away.
• If you are a regular visitor to the park, it seems some birds would remember you from your previous visits. If they slowly learn that you are a harmless visitor, they may not feel it necessary to keep a safe distance and may come close giving you the opportunity of clicking exceptional pictures.      

6. Keep Notes to Track Your Adventures

Consider keeping a journal or using an app to record your sightings—where, when, and what the birds were up to. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and become even better at finding birds in the future.  This is what I have been doing in all these decades.

Conclusion

Learning about bird behaviour, habitats, migration, and identification will make your bird photography outings much more rewarding. Not only will you find more birds, but you’ll capture photos that tell a story. Enjoy your birding adventures—happy snapping!