Quote:
Originally Posted by troypiggo
Cuteness overload there!
Questions about stalking birds. I assume much of it is knowing the behaviour of your target, but there must be some common approaches. I have a 100-400, but find even at 400mm I'm not getting close enough before they start hopping/walking/flying away. I don't just walk in a straight line towards them, I try walking slowly at 45 degree zigzag maybe, never looking directly at them. When I get closer, or if I see them getting nervous, I freeze. Maybe drop to one knee and wait.
I know from your shooting angle and skimmer etc you're laying prone a lot. Do you commando-crawl up to get even closer? I know you use camo as well. I don't have any of that.
Did you ever use a TC with your 100-400? I have a 1.4x, but it loses AF.
|
Thanks for looking in Troy.
I have never used a TC with my 100-400 but I've read where some folks tape some of the pins on the TC to maintain AF. Here's a link with directions:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/TipsPage/
When it comes to getting close there are many techniques/tactics. Those that you described are effective enough to get you fairly close many times but getting very close will require either a crawl or a camo/blind stake-out approach. Getting into position before the birds arrive is always a huge plus. But simply being there ahead of time isn't enough, you'll need to blend or have some way to disguise your human appearance. Remove the human look and you've eliminated one of their biggest fears. The sound of the shutter will still get their attention but if they're close enough to have that concern then you've done what you set out to do. Pausing when they show concern, as you mentioned is exactly what I do. Once you're still and quiet long enough they'll usually go back to doing what they do, as you described time any of your needed movement for when they're busy. If you get yourself under a camo drape, including tripod/camera and yourself, the shutter noise along will be far less concerning than the same noise coming from the direction of a perceived threat. I use this set up for Kingfishers since they are so skittish. I've been within 15 feet(5m) of them, something I would have never dreamed possible before.
I like to scout a location and devise a plan ahead of time. I pay close attention to the perches(if the case), backgrounds and which vantage point will work best with the light at the time I arrive.
You mention not looking at the birds while moving in. I've found that to be very effective. When the birds see you they are paying attention to the direction you are moving as well as what you have your eye on. If you hold a stare, they feel stalked so great approach. Understanding behavior is an extremely important tool. It helps in understanding how to play by the animal's rules and it helps in timing and even composing your images. Once you spend enough time around different species you'll start to know their body language and that's key to timing bursts and better framing your shots through anticipation.
Since I began using the crawl approach, I've moved in closer on shore birds and waders than I ever thought possible. There are times when shooting with the 500 that I need to back up, especially if the birds become active. Initially my draw to this style was for the angle, which I prefer but there's no denying the effectiveness. I'm not saying it's foolproof but the birds are much more relaxed when I'm laying down, even when I'm in the open like on a sand flat. After a while the birds will even begin landing near me and some will walk very close to me as they pass by. I like shooting and knowing the birds are at ease, I don't feel like I'm upsetting their behavior or keeping them from doing what they want and need to do.
Hope this helps in some way.
Beautiful Steve.
)
