Obviously, a lot of bird interactions are also examples of other behavior, like child rearing or feeding. From a photographic perspective, I think the main thing to keep in mind is that an interaction between two birds is usually the most interesting thing you can capture in any given scene. Always be on the lookout …

Birds are one of the only animal groups where caring for offspring are cared for. Besides birds and mammals, child care is the exception rather than the rule, with most young animals on their own from the time they hatch from their eggs. Birds usually put a great deal of energy into caring for their …

For birds, preening isn’t done out of vanity. Grooming is very important to the well-being of birds and most birds do it several times a day. When preening, birds clean their feathers of dirt and parasites and they also arrange their feathers for more efficiency in flight. Most birds also spread oil from a special …

The old saying “you are what you eat” clearly applies to birds, although more directly it could be “you are how you eat.” The bodies and behavior of birds is often tightly linked to what they eat and how they get it. Feeding is one of the most fundamental behaviors—birds do it every day—but also …

How does bird photography remain fascinating and challenging year after year? A deeper understanding of birds compels us to capture not just the birds, but also their many unique behaviors. Observing bird behavior is fascinating. Some behaviors, like hunting and feeding chicks, are immediately recognizable to us, and reinforce the fact that we are both …

In flight bird photography is a pursuit unto itself. Any aspect of bird photography and strategy for getting better photos can be applied to in flight bird photography, although a slight twist may be warranted in some cases. Here are a few photos illustrating some of these aspects.

Landings are one of the most dynamic moments you can capture. Legs, often tucked away in flight, are extended and wings are moved dramatically to slow the bird as it comes in for a landing. It is definitely not an easy shot, but they can be fantastic if you are lucky enough to get one. …

Takeoffs can be incredibly dynamic. If you plan on using your bird photography for motivational posters, you’ll want to build up a good portfolio of takeoff shots. The easy part about shooting a takeoff is that you know where the bird is. Usually they’re standing on the ground or perched on something. In some cases, …

Photographing a bird soaring in the sky captures an important part of its essence, particularly birds like the Magnificent Frigatebird that spend much of their time on the wing. Although a soaring bird is in motion you may be able to track the bird through your viewfinder so you are ready to take your shot …

We return to the Bird Shots series in this week’s Weekender. Capturing birds in flight requires a fast shutter speed, a steady hand, and a knack for predicting the future. Photographing birds in flight is one of the great challenges of bird photography. Your subject is not only in motion, it is free to move …