With autumn roaring, I thought I would take us into the next season, winter. More specifically, a few birds in winter.

Winter is a great time of year to photograph our avian friends. One of my favorite winter birds is the majestic Bald Eagle. Find a great fishing spot such as below a damn, and they will perform for your camera, all day.

Whether they be immature birds or full adults, you will find these hungry birds in action a lot. You will use the technique of panning . Be it in the sky or just above the ice and snow, your timing will become better and better as you shoot.

The light in winter, (depending on where you are) is generally low in the sky. That means the sun will travel through a lot of atmosphere and will therefore be colorful and add a beautiful and powerful aspect to your photos. This can be magnificent when it highlights Bald Eagles be they young or fully mature. Portraits are at their best under these conditions.

The light in winter, (depending on where you are) is generally low in the sky. That means the sun will travel through a lot of atmosphere and will therefore be colorful and add a beautiful and powerful aspect to your photos. This can be magnificent when it highlights Bald Eagles be they young or fully mature. Portraits are at their best under these conditions.

When photographing eagles, check both the water and the edge of the ice for waterfowl. If the eagles are having a good day fishing, they will leave the ducks and such alone. Those ducks seem to know that and they pay little attention to the eagles. Taking time to preen, shows how little a threat by eagles concerns them.

I have found winter, once again depending on where you are, to also be a perfect time for game birds. Quail, Grouse, and especially Ring-necked Pheasants are too busy searching for winter berries and things of that nature, to worry about photographers. Of course, if they are being hunted in the area you are at, they might be a touch more skittish. The pheasant below, was only a short drive from an area where they were being hunted. They learn fast where there are safe havens and this fellow showed zero concerns about my presence.

Of course both gentleman and ladies can be found in the colder months. The natural history aspects of wildlife photography suggest that getting both sexes of all species that have sexual dimorphism, is important.

Winter in and of itself needn’t show in every shot. The lack of foliage on these plants in the image below, does somewhat let us know what time of year this photo was created.

Many photographers shy away from dramatic light when it comes to wild animals. The mix of light and shadow below, only make this subject more interesting. At least to me.

Short-eared Owls are among my most favorite birds of prey.

The only time of year to find Snowy Owls in my northern Midwest location, is in winter.

Sometimes closer is better, and Snowy Owls can be unbelievably tolerant of your presence. Any, and I mean any, signs of stress on a subject like this, and I grabbed my equipment and moved back.

Of course other times you need a little space. A great pose is always worth the trip and the effort. Of course, in these parts this can only be done with a Snowy in winter.

The seasons in general, are a subject for photography. Adding some wild avian friends to any season can help make for a great seasonal portfolio.

It is also beneficial, to set up for a landscape or two to set the mood.

Job 12:7-10
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.

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“The reason why the Christians in this day, are at such a loss as to some things, is that they are connected to what comes from man’s mouth, without searching and kneeling before God to know Him, and the truth of things.”
John Bunyan

It seems amazing, that the above comment was written a long, long time ago.

God Bless,
Wayne

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