Birding at a subtropical tidal estuary, last Sunday (1 Viewer)

[Noctua_Grace]

Last Sunday, I had my first birding experience with a local guide. We visited a nearby tidal estuary, hoping to spot some bird species that inhabit coastal areas.

All the photos here are credited to my birding guide, and I’ve already received her permission to post them here. As a birding beginner, I only own a pair of bins and prefer not to be distracted by taking photos.

When we first arrived, a huge flock of cormorants was flying together across the sea, numbering in the thousands (my rough guess). They seemed to be gathering to move to a specific spot to prey. One typical privilege of living in a subtropical region is the opportunity to observe birds that migrate from the north during winter. They usually stay here for the entire season. I learned that the cormorant is one of these migratory birds.
I’m curious why some species hunt in such coordinated, group-like ways. Is it more efficient? And why don’t all species do this?
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The highlight of this birding trip was definitely spotting a rare Black-faced Spoonbill. I was told there are only around 4,000 of them in the world, which makes it seem pretty rare. We joked that the Black-faced Spoonbill looked like a janitor sweeping the floor—such an amusing scene!

I would vote the Chinese Hwamei as the best of the day. This dedicated and tiny bird has feathers in a mix of light blue and deep navy, looked so elegant and exquisite.
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As a beginner, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences with balancing photo-taking and birdwatching. It’s clear that I can’t do both well on my own, but I’m eager to have high-quality photos to relive this birding experience afterwards. Since I can’t have a guide with me all the time, I’d love some advice on how to capture great shots while still staying focused on the birds.

Thanks!

Grace

 

[delia todd]

Hi Grace - a great report of your day out.

I'll go straight to your photography question, as I'm a 'birder who takes photographs'; not a photographer.

When I go out, I like to get a record of my day, birds, animals, plants, scenery etc. But when I get to wherever, I like to sit and observe for the first wee while to absorb the atmosphere and get a feeling of what's around and what's going on. Then I'll get my camera out and try to get a picture of the species I can see, especially if there's something unusual or rare for the site; or unusual/interesting behaviour.

Too bad if they're not too well focused... I've got the record!

I only have a bridge camera, as I don't have the sort of brain that can remember what settings to use and often there wouldn't be time to adjust them anyway. On top of that I've not the funds to be able to spend thousands on different lenses, plus the weight of them.

Current camera is a Nikon Coolpix P900. Which has a Birdwatching Mode, that can take bursts of 7 frames, so there's generally a good image or two amongst them. I also have quick access to various other modes such as Landscape, Sunset. The only Manual setting I use is Aperture Priority if I want to get a macro, someone told me what settings to save on it.

You'll get many other ideas on from others. We all work differently. But I hope this is useful for you.

 

[Lisa W]

First off splendid photo of this bird.

As a beginner, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences with balancing photo-taking and birdwatching. It’s clear that I can’t do both well on my own, but I’m eager to have high-quality photos to relive this birding experience afterwards. Since I can’t have a guide with me all the time, I’d love some advice on how to capture great shots while still staying focused on the birds.

I can’t. I will usually go out to a new place with just binoculars the first time. I’ll either leave the camera at home or (if safe) in the car. It has led to some missed photos but good views of new birds. I do both if I have been to a location prior or have someone with me.

 

[foresttwitcher]

I would vote the Chinese Hwamei as the best of the day. This dedicated and tiny bird has feathers in a mix of light blue and deep navy, looked so elegant and exquisite.
View attachment 1615425

Hi Grace,

Nice read and photographs.

You mentioned Chinese Hwamei and then linked a photograph - the bird in the link looks like a Red-billed Starling.

Keep on enjoying the birds.

 

[Noctua_Grace]

Hi Grace,

Nice read and photographs.

You mentioned Chinese Hwamei and then linked a photograph - the bird in the link looks like a Red-billed Starling.

Keep on enjoying the birds.

Thank you so much for the correction! happy to know!

 

[Noctua_Grace]

Hi Grace - a great report of your day out.

I'll go straight to your photography question, as I'm a 'birder who takes photographs'; not a photographer.

When I go out, I like to get a record of my day, birds, animals, plants, scenery etc. But when I get to wherever, I like to sit and observe for the first wee while to absorb the atmosphere and get a feeling of what's around and what's going on. Then I'll get my camera out and try to get a picture of the species I can see, especially if there's something unusual or rare for the site; or unusual/interesting behaviour.

Too bad if they're not too well focused... I've got the record!

I only have a bridge camera, as I don't have the sort of brain that can remember what settings to use and often there wouldn't be time to adjust them anyway. On top of that I've not the funds to be able to spend thousands on different lenses, plus the weight of them.

Current camera is a Nikon Coolpix P900. Which has a Birdwatching Mode, that can take bursts of 7 frames, so there's generally a good image or two amongst them. I also have quick access to various other modes such as Landscape, Sunset. The only Manual setting I use is Aperture Priority if I want to get a macro, someone told me what settings to save on it.

You'll get many other ideas on from others. We all work differently. But I hope this is useful for you.

That sounds like a very practical approach! I’m curious—do you usually start by observing with bins and then switch to your camera, or do you use your camera as a substitute for binoculars as well? It seems like the versatility of your bridge camera might allow for both.

 

[Noctua_Grace]

Thank you so much for sharing! I think I’ll follow a similar method at this stage. I prefer taking my time to observe first rather than rushing to capture photos. It feels more rewarding to focus on the experience before worrying about photography.

First off splendid photo of this bird.

I can’t. I will usually go out to a new place with just binoculars the first time. I’ll either leave the camera at home or (if safe) in the car. It has led to some missed photos but good views of new birds. I do both if I have been to a location prior or have someone with me.

 

[delia todd]

That sounds like a very practical approach! I’m curious—do you usually start by observing with bins and then switch to your camera, or do you use your camera as a substitute for binoculars as well? It seems like the versatility of your bridge camera might allow for both.

Generally I use my binoculars first (with the camera ready for emergencies). But if there's something distant that I can't work out, I'll use the excellent zoom to have a look. If I still can't be sure through the view finder I'll take a few pictures (I have it set for multishot anyway), then I can zoom in more on the screen.

I nearly always get the ID confirmed that way. Though sometimes only when I get home and can see it on the large computer screen.