When I first started bird photography, I was drawn to the excitement of spotting rare or “uncommon” birds. Birders I met on trails often shared sightings of elusive species, adding to their eBird or lifetime birding lists. It’s a thrilling pursuit, especially during migration seasons. However, after experiencing multiple migrations and photographing birds throughout the year, my perspective has shifted.
For beginning bird photographers, it’s worth considering: Should your focus be on rare birds, or could you gain just as much—or even more—by capturing common birds doing uncommon things?
Birding vs. Bird Photography: Two Different Skills
While bird watching and bird photography overlap, they aren’t the same. Birders with binoculars might spot dozens of species on a hike, but photographing those same birds presents unique challenges. For example:
• Bird Location: Some birds may be high in trees or hidden in dense bushes, making them impossible to photograph clearly.
• Lighting: Backlit birds or those in deep shade may be visible to the eye but won’t translate into a quality image.
• Movement: A bird in constant motion might be a joy to observe but a frustration to capture.
For these reasons, many of the easiest birds to photograph are often the most common species. Sparrows, robins, catbirds, and red-winged blackbirds may not seem exciting to seasoned birders, but they provide excellent opportunities for beginning photographers to hone their craft.
A New Perspective: Common Birds Doing Uncommon Things
While photographing uncommon birds is a highlight of any bird photographer’s journey, it’s not always feasible. Migration and nesting seasons are relatively short, and rare birds don’t appear on cue. Rather than waiting for the perfect species to show up, I’ve started focusing on capturing common birds engaged in unique behaviors or in interesting settings. This approach has been both rewarding and challenging.
What to Look For:
• Behavior: Birds are constantly doing fascinating things—preening, foraging, interacting with each other, or even displaying aggression. These moments add depth and storytelling to your photos.
• Expressions: Birds often exhibit expressions that convey curiosity, alertness, or even humor. Capturing these fleeting moments can make your image stand out.
• Unusual Settings: Look for opportunities to photograph birds in unexpected locations—perched on a fence, reflected in water, or silhouetted against a dramatic sky.
Why This Approach Works
1. Skill Building: Photographing common birds in unique scenarios sharpens your ability to react quickly, compose shots creatively, and adapt to changing conditions. These skills are invaluable when you encounter rarer birds.
2. Consistent Practice: Unlike rare species, common birds are accessible year-round. Photographing them ensures you’re constantly practicing and improving, even outside of peak migration seasons.
3. Creative Satisfaction: Capturing an engaging photo of a familiar bird, like a robin mid-hop or a red-winged blackbird in full display, can be just as fulfilling as spotting a warbler during migration.
Practical Tips for Finding Uncommon Moments
• Be Observant: Spend time watching birds before taking photos. Notice patterns in their movement or interactions.
• Stay Patient: Moments worth photographing don’t happen instantly. Give yourself time to observe and anticipate a bird’s next move.
• Experiment with Angles: Change your position to see how the bird looks against different backgrounds or in varying light conditions.
• Use Burst Mode: Birds move quickly, so taking multiple shots in rapid succession increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment.
Here are some examples of common birds doing uncommon things that I’ve captured over the past year.
“Somebody always has to be different!“
A group of sparrows on the side of a barn with everyone facing left except for one who has to face right.
“Don’t worry I’ll get it!”
A chipping sparrow hovering while finding something to eat.
“Hey! Look what I found!”
A sparrow stretching out after catching lunch.
“Look out below!!!”
A northern mockingbird diving out of a tree.
Conclusion: Expand Your Focus
While I’m always on the lookout for new and unique birds to photograph, they’re not always available when I’m out in the field. Instead of leaving empty-handed, I’ve learned to pay closer attention to common birds and the extraordinary moments they offer. This approach has significantly increased the number of photos I’ve taken and improved my overall skills as a bird photographer.
Next time you’re out with your camera, don’t overlook the sparrow hopping along the path or the robin bathing in a puddle. You might just capture an uncommon moment that turns an ordinary bird into the subject of an extraordinary photo. Happy shooting!
