The best camera for bird photography is more than just a tool; it’s a window into a world of feathered wonders. Capturing these elusive creatures in flight requires a blend of technical prowess and artistic vision. Imagine freezing a hummingbird’s wings in mid-air, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight.
Or, capturing a majestic eagle soaring against a backdrop of endless sky. These are the moments that make bird photography so captivating, and the right camera can be the key to unlocking them.
From understanding the challenges of capturing birds in motion to mastering the art of composition, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to elevate your bird photography to new heights. We’ll delve into the essential camera features, lens considerations, and settings that are crucial for capturing breathtaking images of our feathered friends.
Understanding Bird Photography: Best Camera For Bird Photography
Capturing birds in their natural habitat is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. Bird photography demands a keen eye, patience, and technical skills to capture the fleeting moments of avian life. From the intricate details of their feathers to their graceful flight patterns, there’s a world of beauty waiting to be revealed through the lens.
Capturing Birds in Flight
Birds in flight are incredibly dynamic subjects, constantly changing position and speed. The challenge lies in freezing these moments of motion, preserving the bird’s elegant form and showcasing its natural grace.
Fast Shutter Speeds and Autofocus
To capture sharp images of birds in flight, a fast shutter speed is essential. A shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second is generally recommended, but higher speeds are often necessary, depending on the bird’s speed and the ambient light conditions.
A fast shutter speed freezes the motion, ensuring that the bird appears sharp and clear, while the background blurs, creating a sense of movement and isolation.
Autofocus is another crucial aspect of bird photography. It allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, even when it’s in motion. Modern cameras offer advanced autofocus systems, such as continuous autofocus (CAF) and tracking autofocus, which can follow the bird’s movements and maintain focus throughout the flight.
Choosing the Right Lens
The choice of lens plays a significant role in bird photography. A telephoto lens with a long focal length is essential for capturing birds from a distance without disturbing them.
The best camera for bird photography often comes down to a balance between autofocus speed, image stabilization, and telephoto reach. While many photographers opt for specialized telephoto lenses, a wider-angle lens like the Vivitar 24mm f/2, with its 52mm filter size , can be useful for capturing environmental portraits of birds in their natural habitat.
Ultimately, the best camera for bird photography depends on your specific needs and preferences.
A lens with a focal length of 400mm or longer is ideal for bird photography, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects and capture detailed images.
The aperture of the lens also affects the image quality. A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows for a shallower depth of field, isolating the bird from the background and creating a more pleasing composition.
Creating a Shallow Depth of Field, Best camera for bird photography
A shallow depth of field blurs the background, making the bird stand out as the primary subject. This effect can be achieved by using a wide aperture (lower f-number) or by using a telephoto lens with a long focal length.
A shallow depth of field creates a sense of isolation and emphasizes the bird’s beauty, making it the focal point of the image.
Camera Features for Bird Photography
Capturing birds in flight or perched on branches requires a camera with specific features designed to handle their fast movements and unpredictable behavior. These features are essential for capturing sharp, detailed images that showcase the beauty and grace of these feathered creatures.
High Frame Rate and Continuous Shooting
A high frame rate is crucial for capturing birds in motion. It allows the camera to capture multiple images per second, increasing the chances of getting a sharp shot of a bird in flight. A high frame rate is typically measured in frames per second (fps).
A camera with a frame rate of 10 fps can capture 10 images per second, while a camera with a frame rate of 20 fps can capture 20 images per second.
This rapid capture rate allows photographers to freeze the action and capture even the fastest movements. Continuous shooting mode, also known as burst mode, enables the camera to capture a series of images in rapid succession as long as the shutter button is held down.
This feature is particularly helpful for capturing birds in flight, as it increases the chances of getting a sharp image.
Autofocus System for Bird Photography
An efficient autofocus system is essential for capturing sharp images of birds, especially when they are in motion. The autofocus system determines how the camera focuses on the subject, and a good system is crucial for keeping the bird in focus, even as it moves.
Types of Autofocus Systems
There are several types of autofocus systems available in cameras.
- Single-point autofocus: This system uses a single autofocus point to focus on the subject. This is the simplest type of autofocus system, but it can be challenging to use for fast-moving subjects like birds.
- Multi-point autofocus: This system uses multiple autofocus points to focus on the subject. This provides more flexibility and accuracy, especially when tracking moving subjects.
- Zone autofocus: This system uses a group of autofocus points to focus on the subject. This is a good option for tracking moving subjects, but it may not be as accurate as multi-point autofocus.
- Continuous autofocus: This system constantly adjusts the focus to keep the subject in focus, even when it is moving. This is the most advanced type of autofocus system, and it is essential for capturing sharp images of birds in flight.
- Eye-detection autofocus: This system automatically focuses on the subject’s eyes, ensuring that the eyes are sharp and in focus. This feature is particularly useful for portrait photography of birds.
Advanced Autofocus Features
Some cameras offer advanced autofocus features specifically designed for bird photography. These features include:
- Subject tracking: This feature automatically tracks the subject, adjusting the focus and exposure to keep the bird in focus, even when it is moving.
- Bird detection: This feature uses artificial intelligence to detect and focus on birds, even when they are small or obscured by foliage.
Lens Considerations for Bird Photography
Capturing stunning bird photographs requires a lens that can magnify distant subjects and isolate them from their surroundings. Choosing the right lens is crucial for achieving sharp, detailed images that showcase the beauty and intricacies of birds.
Types of Lenses for Bird Photography
The type of lens you choose will depend on the size and distance of the birds you photograph, as well as your desired level of magnification. Common types of lenses for bird photography include:
- Telephoto Lenses:These lenses have a focal length of 70mm to 300mm, offering moderate magnification. Telephoto lenses are versatile and suitable for photographing birds at moderate distances. They are often used for capturing birds in flight, perching on branches, or feeding in open areas.
- Super Telephoto Lenses:With focal lengths ranging from 400mm to 600mm, super telephoto lenses provide exceptional magnification. These lenses are ideal for capturing distant birds in great detail, such as raptors soaring in the sky or birds in remote habitats. They are typically heavier and more expensive than telephoto lenses.
- Macro Lenses:Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography and are generally used for capturing small subjects like insects or flowers. However, they can also be useful for bird photography, particularly for capturing intricate details of small birds or their feathers. Macro lenses typically have a short focal length (e.g., 100mm) and a high magnification ratio.
Focal Length Requirements for Bird Photography
The focal length of a lens determines the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides greater magnification, allowing you to capture distant subjects with greater detail. The focal length requirement for bird photography depends on the size of the bird, the distance to the subject, and the desired level of detail.
- Small Birds:For photographing small birds, such as warblers or hummingbirds, a telephoto lens with a focal length of 200mm to 300mm is often sufficient.
- Medium-Sized Birds:For medium-sized birds, such as robins or cardinals, a telephoto lens with a focal length of 300mm to 400mm is recommended.
- Large Birds:For photographing large birds, such as eagles or hawks, a super telephoto lens with a focal length of 400mm to 600mm is often necessary.
- Birds in Flight:Capturing birds in flight requires a fast shutter speed and a lens with a long focal length. A super telephoto lens with a focal length of 400mm to 600mm is ideal for this type of photography.
Trade-offs between Aperture, Focal Length, and Image Quality
Aperture, focal length, and image quality are interrelated factors that influence the performance of a lens.
- Aperture:A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to pass through the lens, resulting in a shallower depth of field and a blurred background. This can help isolate the subject and create a pleasing aesthetic. However, wider apertures are often associated with higher prices and lower image quality at the edges of the frame.
- Focal Length:As mentioned earlier, focal length determines magnification and field of view. Longer focal lengths provide greater magnification but can be more expensive and heavier.
- Image Quality:Image quality is influenced by factors such as sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. Lenses with a wider aperture and a longer focal length tend to be more expensive and may compromise image quality at the edges of the frame.
Popular Lenses for Bird Photography
Here are some examples of popular lenses for bird photography:
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM:This versatile telephoto lens offers a wide zoom range and excellent image quality. It is a popular choice for bird photographers who need a lens that can handle a variety of subjects and distances.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR:This lens is a great value for the price and offers excellent performance for capturing birds in flight. It is a good option for photographers who are looking for a super telephoto lens without breaking the bank.
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary:This lens is another popular choice for bird photographers who need a super telephoto lens with a wide zoom range. It is known for its sharpness and performance at a reasonable price.
Camera Settings for Bird Photography
Capturing birds in flight requires careful consideration of camera settings. Each setting plays a crucial role in achieving sharp, well-exposed images. Understanding how these settings affect your final image is key to capturing stunning bird photographs.
Camera Settings for Bird Photography
The ideal camera settings for capturing birds in flight depend on various factors, including the bird species, lighting conditions, and the desired effect. However, there are general guidelines to follow for achieving sharp, well-exposed images.
| Setting | Description | Impact on Image | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutter Speed | Determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open. | Faster shutter speeds freeze motion, while slower shutter speeds create motion blur. | For birds in flight, a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second is recommended to freeze motion. In low light, a slower shutter speed may be necessary, but this will increase the risk of motion blur. |
| Aperture | Controls the amount of light that enters the camera lens. | A wider aperture (lower f-number) creates a shallower depth of field, blurring the background and emphasizing the subject. A narrower aperture (higher f-number) creates a deeper depth of field, keeping both the subject and background in focus. | For bird photography, a wider aperture is generally preferred to isolate the bird from the background. However, a narrower aperture may be necessary in low light to achieve a faster shutter speed. |
| ISO | Measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. | A higher ISO setting allows the camera to capture images in low light, but it can also introduce noise (grain) into the image. | For bird photography, it’s best to keep the ISO as low as possible to minimize noise. However, in low light, a higher ISO may be necessary to achieve a faster shutter speed. |
| White Balance | Adjusts the color temperature of the image to make it appear more natural. | Incorrect white balance can result in images that are too warm (yellowish) or too cool (bluish). | For bird photography, it’s best to set the white balance to “daylight” or “cloudy” to achieve a natural color balance. |
Tips for Adjusting Camera Settings
Bird Species
Different bird species have different flight patterns. For example, birds of prey tend to fly in a more graceful and predictable manner, while smaller birds may fly more erratically. Adjust your shutter speed and aperture accordingly.
Lighting Conditions
The amount of light available will affect your camera settings. In bright sunlight, you can use a faster shutter speed and a narrower aperture. In low light, you may need to use a slower shutter speed and a wider aperture, or increase the ISO.
Desired Effect
Consider the effect you want to achieve. If you want to freeze the bird in flight, use a fast shutter speed. If you want to create a sense of motion, use a slower shutter speed.
Experimentation
The best way to learn how to adjust your camera settings for bird photography is to experiment. Take lots of photos and see what works best for you.
“Practice makes perfect.”
Old proverb
Composition and Aesthetics
Capturing a bird’s essence goes beyond simply freezing a moment in time. Composition plays a crucial role in transforming a snapshot into a captivating photograph that tells a story and evokes emotion. It’s the art of arranging elements within the frame to guide the viewer’s eye, create visual harmony, and ultimately enhance the impact of the subject.
The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle in photography, suggesting that dividing the frame into nine equal squares with two horizontal and two vertical lines creates points of visual interest. Placing the subject at one of these intersection points, rather than directly in the center, often leads to a more dynamic and engaging composition.
This technique encourages viewers to explore the entire image, rather than simply focusing on the center.
Leading Lines
Leading lines are natural or man-made elements within the scene that draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject. These lines can be anything from a winding path, a fence post, or even the curve of a branch. By incorporating leading lines into the composition, photographers can create a sense of depth and guide the viewer’s attention towards the bird.
Negative Space
Negative space is the empty area surrounding the subject. It’s often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in creating visual balance and allowing the subject to breathe. By strategically using negative space, photographers can isolate the bird, enhance its presence, and create a sense of tranquility or drama.
This technique can be particularly effective when photographing birds in flight, allowing the viewer to appreciate the bird’s graceful movement against the vastness of the sky.
Incorporating the Environment
The surrounding environment is an integral part of the composition. It provides context and tells a story about the bird’s habitat and behavior. By incorporating elements of the environment, such as foliage, branches, or the sky, photographers can create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.
For instance, a bird perched on a branch against a backdrop of vibrant foliage adds a sense of place and tells a story about the bird’s relationship with its surroundings.
Recommended Cameras for Bird Photography
Choosing the right camera for bird photography is crucial for capturing stunning images of these elusive subjects. The ideal camera should possess a combination of features that enhance your ability to track fast-moving birds, freeze action, and achieve exceptional image quality.
Recommended Cameras for Bird Photography
A wide range of cameras cater to bird photographers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a comparison of some top contenders:
| Camera Model | Sensor Size | Autofocus System | Frame Rate | Lens Compatibility | Strengths | Weaknesses | Target User |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS-1D X Mark III | Full-frame | 61-point AF system with 19 cross-type points | 20 fps (with continuous shooting) | Canon EF and EF-S lenses | Exceptional autofocus performance, high frame rate, robust build, excellent image quality | High price, relatively heavy | Professional wildlife photographers, serious bird photographers |
| Nikon D850 | Full-frame | 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type points | 7 fps (with continuous shooting) | Nikon F-mount lenses | Excellent image quality, high resolution, versatile performance | Slower frame rate compared to some competitors | Advanced bird photographers, landscape photographers, studio photographers |
| Sony Alpha 1 | Full-frame | 759-point AF system with 693 phase-detection points | 20 fps (with continuous shooting) | Sony E-mount lenses | Exceptional autofocus performance, high frame rate, excellent image quality, 4K video recording | High price, large size | Professional wildlife photographers, demanding bird photographers, videographers |
| Olympus OM-1 | Micro Four Thirds | 1053-point AF system with 121 cross-type points | 120 fps (with continuous shooting) | Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses | Fast autofocus, high frame rate, compact size, lightweight | Smaller sensor size compared to full-frame cameras | Bird photographers who prioritize portability, wildlife photographers, landscape photographers |
| Fujifilm X-H2S | APS-C | 425-point AF system with 425 phase-detection points | 40 fps (with continuous shooting) | Fujifilm X-mount lenses | Excellent image quality, high frame rate, compact size, good autofocus performance | Smaller sensor size compared to full-frame cameras | Bird photographers who prioritize portability, enthusiasts, photographers looking for excellent image quality |
Essential Accessories for Bird Photography
Capturing stunning bird photographs often involves more than just a high-quality camera and lens. Essential accessories play a crucial role in enhancing the overall bird photography experience, improving image quality, and providing a more comfortable shooting process.
Tripods for Stability and Sharpness
A tripod is a fundamental accessory for bird photography, particularly when shooting in low light or with telephoto lenses. The added stability a tripod provides helps minimize camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
A tripod ensures that the camera remains perfectly still, allowing for longer shutter speeds and capturing detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
There are various tripod options available, ranging from lightweight travel tripods for portability to sturdy, heavy-duty models for professional use.
Remote Shutter Release for Minimizing Camera Shake
A remote shutter release is another essential accessory for bird photography. It allows you to trigger the camera shutter remotely, eliminating the possibility of camera shake caused by physically pressing the shutter button.
Remote shutter releases are particularly beneficial when using telephoto lenses, as even the slightest movement can blur the image.
Remote shutter releases come in wired and wireless options, offering flexibility based on shooting conditions and personal preferences.
Camera Straps for Secure and Comfortable Carrying
A comfortable and secure camera strap is essential for carrying your camera equipment safely and comfortably during long hours of bird photography.
Camera straps distribute the weight of the camera evenly, preventing strain on your neck and shoulders, particularly when using heavy lenses.
There are various camera strap designs available, including padded straps for added comfort, quick-release straps for easy access, and straps with additional features like pockets for storing accessories.
Choosing the Right Accessories
Selecting the right accessories depends on your individual needs, budget, and shooting style.
- For beginners, a lightweight tripod and a basic remote shutter release are sufficient.
- Advanced photographers may prefer heavier, more stable tripods and wireless remote shutter releases for greater flexibility.
- Camera straps should be chosen based on comfort and functionality, ensuring a secure and comfortable carrying experience.
Tips for Successful Bird Photography
Capturing stunning bird photographs requires more than just a good camera and lens. It involves a blend of technical skills, patience, and a deep understanding of bird behavior. By mastering these elements, you can elevate your bird photography from snapshots to captivating works of art.
Patience and Observation
Patience is paramount in bird photography. Birds are unpredictable creatures, often flitting from one spot to another. It’s crucial to observe their behavior, learning their patterns and routines. For instance, a bird might regularly visit a specific feeder at a particular time, or a group of birds might gather at a watering hole during the heat of the day.
By patiently observing their movements, you can anticipate their actions and position yourself for the perfect shot.
Anticipating Bird Behavior
Understanding bird behavior is key to capturing dynamic moments of action. For example, knowing that birds often preen their feathers after bathing can help you anticipate a moment of stillness. Similarly, observing birds feeding their young can provide opportunities for capturing heartwarming interactions.
A high-quality camera with a fast autofocus system is essential for capturing those fleeting moments of bird flight. When paired with a telephoto lens like the Nikon 180mm f/1.8, you can achieve stunning results. For optimal sharpness and detail, exploring the best lens setting for Nikonz 180 mm 1.8 is crucial.
The right combination of camera and lens will allow you to freeze those fleeting moments of avian beauty in time.
Birds often display predictable behaviors, like preening, feeding, or interacting with their young, which can be captured in photographs.
Finding the Right Location and Time
Choosing the right location and time can significantly impact your bird photography success. Different bird species thrive in specific habitats, and their activity levels vary throughout the day. For instance, early mornings and late evenings are often ideal for capturing birds singing or foraging, while midday might be better for observing birds bathing or resting.
A camera’s ability to capture fast-moving subjects with sharp detail is paramount in bird photography. Choosing the right lens is crucial, and the Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 is a popular choice for its versatility. But for those seeking the ultimate sharpness and performance, the debate often arises between the older Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D and the newer 35-70mm f/2.8.
A comprehensive comparison of these two lenses can help photographers make an informed decision, ultimately leading to stunning images of feathered friends in flight.
- Habitat:Research the habitat preferences of your target species. For example, waterbirds are often found near lakes, rivers, or marshes, while woodland birds prefer forests and wooded areas.
- Time of Day:Early mornings and late evenings often offer the best light for photography, and birds are more active during these times. Midday can be challenging due to harsh sunlight and lower bird activity.
- Season:Bird activity and plumage vary throughout the year. Migration periods, breeding seasons, and molting seasons offer unique opportunities for capturing different behaviors and appearances.
Exploring Different Bird Photography Genres
Bird photography offers a captivating world of artistic expression, encompassing a diverse array of genres, each with its unique challenges and rewards. These genres, often intertwined, provide photographers with a platform to showcase the beauty, grace, and intricate details of avian life.
Portrait Photography
Bird portraits capture the essence of a bird’s personality, showcasing its unique features and captivating gaze. These photographs often highlight the bird’s eyes, feathers, and beak, emphasizing their intricate details. The primary challenge in portrait photography lies in achieving a sharp focus on the bird’s eye, while simultaneously capturing the bird’s natural pose and expression.
To achieve a compelling bird portrait, it’s crucial to focus on the bird’s eye, ensuring it is sharp and in focus.
Capturing the fleeting beauty of birds in flight requires a camera with a fast autofocus system and a lens that can reach impressive focal lengths. While modern autofocus lenses are highly capable, there’s a certain charm in using a Nikon manual F-mount lens for bird photography.
These lenses, often designed with exceptional sharpness and character, force you to slow down and truly connect with your subject, focusing on composition and timing rather than relying solely on technology. This approach can lead to unique and captivating images, highlighting the beauty of both the bird and the photographer’s skill.
- Background:A simple, uncluttered background allows the bird to be the focal point of the image. A blurred background, achieved through a shallow depth of field, further isolates the subject and enhances the portrait’s impact.
- Lighting:Soft, diffused lighting creates a flattering glow on the bird’s feathers, minimizing harsh shadows. Early morning or late afternoon light often provides ideal conditions for bird portraits.
- Patience:Patience is key when capturing bird portraits. Birds are unpredictable, and it may take time to capture the perfect pose and expression.
A well-composed bird portrait should capture the bird’s personality, showcasing its unique features and captivating gaze.
Action Photography
Action bird photography captures the dynamic movements of birds in flight, showcasing their agility and grace. These photographs often depict birds in mid-flight, showcasing their wings spread wide, capturing the energy and fluidity of their movements. The primary challenge in action bird photography lies in achieving a sharp focus on the moving bird, while simultaneously capturing the bird’s natural pose and expression.
Capturing the energy and fluidity of birds in flight requires fast shutter speeds and precise focusing.
- Shutter Speed:A fast shutter speed, typically 1/1000th of a second or faster, is essential to freeze the bird’s motion and prevent blur.
- Continuous Shooting:Continuous shooting mode allows you to capture a series of images, increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment.
- Focus Tracking:Autofocus systems with continuous tracking capabilities are essential for following the bird’s movements. This allows the camera to continuously adjust focus as the bird moves.
Successful action bird photographs capture the dynamic movements of birds in flight, showcasing their agility and grace.
Habitat Photography
Habitat bird photography focuses on capturing birds within their natural environment, showcasing the intricate relationship between birds and their surroundings. These photographs often depict birds perched on branches, foraging for food, or interacting with other birds, capturing the essence of their natural behavior.
The primary challenge in habitat bird photography lies in capturing the bird’s natural behavior without disturbing its environment or causing it distress.
Capturing birds within their natural environment requires patience, observation, and a respect for the birds’ habitat.
- Camouflage:Blending into the environment is essential for capturing birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them. Using camouflage clothing and a concealed hide can help minimize your presence.
- Patience:Birds often take time to settle into their surroundings. Be patient and wait for the bird to engage in natural behavior before capturing the image.
- Composition:Composition is crucial for capturing the essence of the bird’s habitat. Consider the surrounding elements, such as vegetation, water, and other wildlife, to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.
Habitat bird photographs provide a glimpse into the intricate relationship between birds and their surroundings, capturing the essence of their natural behavior.
Post-Processing Techniques for Bird Photography
Post-processing is an integral part of bird photography, allowing photographers to refine their images, enhance details, and create visually captivating results. It’s the final touch that can elevate a good photograph into an exceptional one.
Cropping
Cropping is a fundamental post-processing technique that allows photographers to isolate the subject, remove distracting elements, and improve the overall composition of the image. By focusing attention on the bird, cropping can emphasize its beauty and enhance the impact of the photograph.
Sharpening
Sharpening is essential for bringing out the intricate details of a bird’s feathers, eyes, and beak. It enhances the overall clarity and definition of the image, making the bird appear more lifelike and visually appealing. The degree of sharpening depends on the image’s resolution, the lens used, and the desired level of detail.
Color Correction
Color correction is used to adjust the color balance, contrast, and vibrancy of the image, bringing out the natural beauty of the bird’s plumage. It involves adjusting the white balance, which corrects any color casts, and fine-tuning the colors to achieve a pleasing and accurate representation of the bird’s appearance.
Enhancing Detail and Vibrancy
Post-processing techniques can enhance the detail and vibrancy of bird images, making them more captivating and aesthetically pleasing. This can involve using tools to selectively adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation, bringing out the nuances of the bird’s plumage and surroundings.
Examples of Before and After Images
- Before:A blurry image of a blue jay with muted colors and a distracting background.
- After:A sharp image of the blue jay with vibrant colors and a clean background. The post-processing techniques have sharpened the image, enhanced the colors, and removed distracting elements, resulting in a more captivating and visually appealing photograph.
Final Review
Bird photography is a rewarding pursuit that allows us to connect with nature in a profound way. By understanding the intricacies of capturing birds in flight and utilizing the right tools, we can create images that are both technically impressive and artistically captivating.
So, grab your camera, explore the world around you, and let your passion for birds soar through your lens.