The challenge of birds in flight

The combination of timing and camera skills that makes for a tricky, but rewarding, shot

Back button focusing,

MOST canon DSLRS feature an AF-ON button on the back that can be customized to separate autofocus activation from the shutter button. When used with AI Servo AF, this means you can track birds without shooting, and some pros insist that focusing is actually faster when the camera is set up this way. This is the only way I shoot now and it’s worth the effort.

lenses for flight

i Began with the small but capable Canon EF-S 55-250mm on a Canon 650D, tried and enjoyed the EF 400mm f/5.6 and now use the EF 100-400mm Mk II and the 500mm f/4 prime. Your DSLR’S top frame rate makes a difference, as does using the widest spread of focus points if available. Extenders give additional reach, but can affect a lens’ sharpness.

shooting in manual

The BEST mode for capturing birds in flight is Manual. Meter off a tree or the ground that matches the bird you are after and set ISO, shutter speed and aperture accordingly. That way, your bird will not be a black silhouette but will be revealed with all feather detail.

Where to go to photograph birds in flight

from Sparrows in the hedges to swallows in the sky, simply walking round your neighbourhood with camera ready to go is a start. Explore local parks, footpaths, reserves, lakes, forests and join your local ornithological society or Facebook wildlife group to find out where birds are being seen, whether it’s starlings in the fields, yellowhammers in hedges, buntings in reeds, or pipits, grouse and hawks in uplands. Do your research and spend time outside.

The handheld challenge

if visiting a reserve with hides, you can use tripods and gimbal heads, but my preference is to work handheld. This is where a heavy 1D X is a pain. The smaller 7D Mk II, or 70D/700D, are easier to pair with lenses such as the lighter 400mm f/5.6, 100-400mm Mk II and, for braver souls, the 500mm f/4. Handheld means you can respond quickly, and gives you the chance to practise your tracking and focus skills.

17 RED grouse in Flight, stiperstones Walking with the ranger was rewarded with this very close male red grouse

19 JUVENILE cuckoo, stiperstones This shy bird was approached on all fours through the heather

16 WEIGHTY glass Canon’s big primes are heavy, but you get used to them 18 RED kite chased By crow Thanks to a recent light reading, the camera was ready to respond quickly to this chase

20 CURLEW in Flight Using the 7D Mk II instead of the 1D X makes it easier to abandon the tripod