Last fall, during bird migration in Westchester County, NY, I stumbled upon a game-changing “secret” for bird photography: find the food, find the bird. It might sound obvious to seasoned photographers, but as a beginner, this discovery transformed the way I approached finding and photographing birds.
In mid-to-late fall and throughout winter, this rule becomes especially important. Birds are drawn to reliable food sources, and in those seasons, that usually means berries. Once I realized this, I started focusing my efforts on locating berry-laden bushes and trees—and I wasn’t disappointed.
What happened next was magical. I watched flocks of robins, mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, and other species gather to feast on these natural buffets. Capturing their energy and behavior as they devoured the berries led to some of my favorite photos to date.
During the summer, I’ve taken this knowledge a step further by scouting bushes and trees that will bear berries during the fall migration and winter months. It’s like prepping for a future photo shoot with nature’s calendar in mind.
If you’re new to bird photography, I can’t recommend this tip enough: pay attention to what birds are eating and where they’re finding it. Not only will it make your bird-watching more rewarding, but it will also lead to more opportunities to snap beautiful, action-packed shots.
This picture of an American robin eating berries was taken on a very cold, windy winter day. This robin was one of the only birds I saw that day, and despite the weather, it was focused on getting berries from this bush.
Another picture of an American robin was taken in early winter, contrasting the gray winter day and the red berries. You might notice a cedar waxwing’s tail blurred in the background. Flocks of both species of bird were at this bush that day.
This photo of cedar waxwings feeding on berries was taken in early January. While taking pictures of another bird, a flock of waxwings and robins converged on the area and began feeding on these bushes.
Cedar waxwings are eating red berries again in early January. A flock was working on this bush, grabbing berries and then flying up to a tree branch over my head to eat them. I had leftover berries (and who knows what else) on my hat.
Tips for Using Birds’ Food Sources to Boost Your Bird Photography
Learning to use birds’ feeding habits to your advantage can take your photography to the next level. Here are a few things I’ve discovered that can help you capture incredible shots:
- Timing Is Everything: Birds don’t waste time when it comes to a good meal. A bush full of berries can go from full to bare in just a day or two. Keep an eye on how the berries are ripening and visit the bushes regularly to check for bird activity. When you notice birds starting to feed, be ready with your camera—and don’t wait too long! Birds tend to feast in flocks, and the opportunity might not last.
- Follow Up for a Second Chance: If you catch birds feeding one day, try coming back the next. For example, the photo above of the cedar waxwings was taken on my second day observing them. By day three, the bush was completely stripped of berries! This same pattern happened with a serviceberry tree I photographed this spring. A flock of birds cleaned out several large trees in just two days, giving me only a short window to capture the action.
- Plan Ahead During the Summer: Use the off-season to prepare for fall and winter photography. Birds like cedar waxwings are drawn to specific plants, such as hawthorn and winterberries. During the summer, I’ve been using the app PlantSnap to locate these bushes and keep track of where they’ll bear fruit later in the year. This prep work ensures I’m ready when the birds return.
- Don’t Stop at the Buffet: While birds are fascinating to watch as they feed, don’t forget to observe what they’re doing nearby. Once, while photographing a flock of robins and waxwings feasting on berries, I noticed some of them bathing in a nearby stream. This led to some incredible shots of the birds interacting in different ways—adding variety to my collection.
By learning where and when birds feed, you’ll not only see more birds but also open up countless opportunities for amazing photos. Remember: where there’s food, there’s likely action!
Summary
If you’re a beginning bird photographer, one of the most valuable lessons you can learn is this simple secret: find the food, find the birds. Birds are naturally drawn to reliable food sources, especially during fall migration and winter months when berries are abundant. By understanding where and what birds eat, you can unlock new opportunities to capture stunning photos.
In this post, I share my experience discovering how food sources like hawthorn berries and winterberries attract flocks of robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds. I learned to time my visits carefully—birds can clean out an entire bush of berries in just a day or two, so being ready at the right moment is crucial.
Planning ahead also makes a big difference. Using tools like the PlantSnap app, I scout berry-producing plants during the summer to track them for future seasons. This preparation helps me stay one step ahead and ensures I’m in the right place when the birds arrive.
Finally, don’t limit yourself to photographing birds as they feed. Pay attention to what they’re doing nearby—like bathing in streams or interacting with one another—for even more dynamic and memorable shots.
By following these tips, you’ll gain confidence in finding and photographing birds, all while building a deeper understanding of their behavior. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new ideas, this approach is a game-changer for capturing incredible images.
