[Tweeters] Birds in Flight (BIF) photography

[Kevin Lucas]

At Poppoff on March 19 I saw several Vaux's Swifts flying with a mixed
flock of Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Picking out the swifts from the
swallows was easiest by their flight style and speed, rather than by field
marks. Then I'd get my binocs on them to get a nicer view of the bird. Once
I got into that, I tried adding in my camera as the last step, eventually
skipping the binocs step. I wasn't my quickest or most coordinated that
day, and even at my best, swifts are tough. They're swift. To my eye,
there's no faster bird in "level" flight. I got just a few Loch Ness photos
of swifts, and didn't even get any good ones of the swallows. I submitted a
couple of photos with my checklist for the Vaux's Swifts. Vaux's Swift
maven Larry Switters shared that some early Vaux's Swifts are expected with
swallows. My sighting has not been bestowed eBird's seal of "Confirmed".

https://ebird.org/checklist/S131477820

Since this morning is drizzling and I've not yet ventured out, I decided to
search for some tips on swift photography. The most fun advice I found was:

"... Then when you have finished, delete all the pictures on your card
without wasting any more time by reviewing them. It really is a thankless
task and you should be able to find something far more constructive to do
with a warm, well-lit day. Remember to reset all the functions on your
camera before getting on with your life."

https://www.10000birds.com/dont-take-pictures-of-swifts.htm#:~:text=The%20speed%20and%20light%20reflecting,focussing%20range%20of%20your%20lens
.

I found some more advice, quite usable, at another site for anyone with a
desire to go against the grain, whether my grail of trying to find and
document rarities accurately and get them "confirmed" on eBird, or
improving your skill at photographing birds in flight (BIF). I love seeing
all the positions of birds and details of plumage that don't appear in any
field guide, even in cruddy photos. They're fun, and also help me learn how
many ways birds can be misidentified, even in individual photos.

https://timcollierphotography.com/articles/photographing-swifts/

March 19th was by far the earliest I've found Vaux's Swifts here in Yakima
County. Previously I've seen and photographed them here as early as April
10th. That was at the Johnson Auto Glass chimney roost. Even when I
pre-focused on the chimney top there, most of my photos in low light and
hand held have been merely acceptable. Capturing individuals as they flew
over me there in the parking lot was more challenging. Capturing the swifts
at Poppoff, when I'd not been psyched-up for the effort, and with the
distractions of all the other little birdies there, was even more of a
challenge, one I enjoyed.

If anyone has tips that specifically help them with photographing birds in
flight, I'd love to read them. Even a reminder of something I've learned
before might be priceless.

Poppoff Trail is the southernmost section of Yakima Greenway Path along the
western side of the Yakima River.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poppoff+Nature+Trail,+Union+Gap,+WA+98903/@46.5649757,-120.470624,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5499d61600e45437:0xe001040245b92f08!8m2!3d46.5649757!4d-120.4684353!16s%2Fg%2F1pzqhtr25


Good Birding,

https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/

https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography

Kevin Lucas
Yakima County, Washington

*Qui tacet consentire videtur*
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