[Matt]

Share your Backyard Bird Photography tips here.

[thedeepestsleep]

It is much easier to get closer to the birds when it is cold out, because the birds are more concerned about eating as much as possible, not some dude with a camera. This is especially if you are like me and you don't have a long telephoto lens, and rely on getting super close.

[Kelly]

To add to what thedeepestsleep said......birds can sense a storm brewing. They will be out in large numbers, scouting food just before it hits. Hunker down and get ready for the fun.

As many frames per second as your camera (and memory card) can handle.

If it's a close portrait, get that eye in focus. With very few exceptions - that's your main goal.

Controversial, I know. But use flash only sparingly - if at all. Be patient til the light is right and the birds are where you want them. This is where understanding and predicting bird behavior is helpful. Spend time observing before you ever get your camera out.

[Kelly]

Not a tip. Just a frustration. Nuthatches have to be the most difficult backyard bird to get a decent photograph of. Yes, even harder than hummingbirds! They are the least predictable of any bird I've come across. I just can't crack their bird behavior code..... They're just like little bundles of feathers full of gallons of caffeine.

[Matt]

David Sibley didn't crack the code?

[Kelly]

David Sibley didn't crack the code?

The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior? Great book. I have it on my shelf. In fact, my copy came with a telling post-it note.

It's micro predicting I'm working on for photographing these buggers. Think of the most emotional woman you've ever been around. No book on the subject, no matter how renowned, can tell you what she may do from one split second to the next. Generalize? Yes! Micro predict? Nope. And so it goes with the nuthatch. Only worse.