Using flash in Bird Photography

[nigel_b]

Well it doesn't sound quite right to me particularly from a hide, unless you're by yourself then I guess it still might spook the birds for a while?

My whole hide experience was ruined yesterday by a gaggle of older chaps in an assortment of inappropriate hats who weren't shopping with their wives, apparently, as they felt the need to point this out every few minutes.

They were full of stories about what happened five minutes ago (I was quite surprised they could remember), what was about to happen, what might have happened, what should have happened etc.

The hide was full of flasks and walking poles and bags of sandwiches, foam seats and all manner of tripods and clamps, scopes and binoculars.

It was odd that not one window was open apart from a low one at the end where I sat down. When something interesting happened a couple of them would get up and stand behind me with scopes or bins trying to look around me through the open window.

Happy days.

[JeffH]

[quote=slimrbp;726599][quote=JeffH;726581]My only experience of using flash for bird photography is with Kingfishers and it certainly doesn't disturb them.

That's a very good point in Charlie Hamilton James book 'Kingfisher: Tales from the Halcyon River' uses a lot of flash photography.

That's right Richard and before Charlie started to use flash with Kingfishers it had been used extensively and successfully (ie. without causing disturbance to the birds) by the Eastmans for their book 'The Kingfisher' in 1970; by David Boag for his book also called 'The Kingfisher' in 1982 and by Paolo Fioratti for his book 'Kingfisher' in 1992.

So the safe and effective use of flash with this particular species is very well established

Originally Posted by nigel_b

......older chaps in an assortment of inappropriate hats.....

and Nigel - that sounds not only ageist but 'hatist' as well!!!
As both an 'older chap' and the proud owner of a fine collection of 'inappropriate hats' I have to say that I resemble your remarks

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[Adam Cheeseman]

Not in the same league as yourself Neil and Dave et al, but I have heard many comments that birds are far more likely to be disturbed by the sound of shutters and motor wind (remember that?). Think you have to ask yourself about the situation that you are taking pictures of with regards birds. I appreciate that not only does flash light a picture better but it enables any movement to be frozen. I would guess that any nocturnal or crepuscular species would be far more sensitive to flash than any diurnal species.

Cheers,

Adam

[willing to learn]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Not in the same league as yourself Neil and Dave et al, but I have heard many comments that birds are far more likely to be disturbed by the sound of shutters and motor wind (remember that?). Think you have to ask yourself about the situation that you are taking pictures of with regards birds. I appreciate that not only does flash light a picture better but it enables any movement to be frozen. I would guess that any nocturnal or crepuscular species would be far more sensitive to flash than any diurnal species.

Cheers,

Adam

Some years ago I had a group photographer's that wanted to take some photos of falcons. Some used flash, though the falcons tightened it did not seem to bother them. However once released to fly free the effects of the previous flash used was pretty plain to see. If only for a few minutes. However I guess flash would not be an option with a wild falcon as you would never get close enough.
Regards
Colin

[cosmicma]

i think birds are far more worried about the local sparrow hawks than flash photography and shutter noises that feeding stations and hides seem to attract i once heard someone say feeding stations are like raptors drive throughs and when you think about it it's not that far off the mark

some types of wildlife photography would be impossible without flash but doing this succesfully is not easy
weather it spooks the birds is a debateble subject ( oh we are debating ) i think no more than lightning or a brief strong wind through the trees

the reality is the birds you are using flash photography on must be fairly tame to start to allow you to get close enough for the flash to be effective the truely wild birds would not allow you close enough as we know

iv'e used flash with some success in the past on a dull day or to try and freeze the moment but i have to say if your trying to substitute light rather than just filling in, photo's do tend to look unnatural 9 times out of 10

[momji1971]

Just ignore the fools and enjoy your photography. Last year I photographed a local wader roost. Just as I got up and left I noticed some 'birders' being moved on for disturbing the birds. As they passed me I got the glares and tuts. I just laughed out load much to their annoyance!

It seemed, they blamed me for them having to move on. What they didn't know was I'd spent an hour lay in a hollow in the beach. Letting the tide bring the birds to me. Whilst watching to make sure they were comfortable with my presence. They got within 8ft! As the birds moved away I crawled backwards until far enough away to stand and walk away.

The warden had been watching me apparently and thanked me for being so careful. Leaving the birds in peace. He'd moved the 'birders' on because they'd been walking straight into them, one wearing a nice orange jacket at rest time!

If I have to put up with dog walkers, children, people asking questions at inappropriate times, loud talkers, children (yes, I really don't like them!) because I shoot in a public place then everyone else can put up with me practising my hobby in a public place!

regards.
Stu.