How to photograph birds in Tropical countries

Photographing birds in Tropical countries can be very challenging. Proaching is still very wide spread in this part of the world and thus wildlife and birds are especially wary of human presence.

Thus, birds photographers should take special note on approaching these subjects with care.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A long telephoto lens with a focal lenght of 500mm and above
• A camo cloth or hide
• Insects repellent
• Lots of water to tackle the heat
• Dress in dull colour

1. Survey the site where the subject was spotted. If it is a forested areas, prepare to tackle the attack by leeches and mosquitos. Go in with a good pair of tracking shoes that is waterproof,

2. Be prepare to track a distance with your heavy gear in most cases. Try to time your shoot in the early morning before 10am and after 3pm in the afternoon. This is to avoid harsh sunlight which give bad images.

3. Use a camo hide or cam cloth to cover your entire body as birds are very wary of human in this part of the world due to severe proaching. This is essential especially nesting are presence. Any mistakes in approach will scare off the mother bird and leaving the yourg to starve to death.

4. Take your positon only when the mother bird is away for nesting site. So be early in your approach where activities are lesser. Try not to use strobes or flash lights for nesting sites as it might cause stress to the birds.

5. Never go for these shoot alone with your expensive stuff. You will be expose to possibilities of being robbed off or being attacked if there are illegal lodging presence nearby.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to these shoots with experience birds photographers who are familiar with the areas.
• Always wear good shoes in forested areas
• Do not leave your car in forested areas unattended.
• Shoot with a small group of photographers to avoid stress to the birds
• No image is more important then the welfare of the subject.
• If the subject shows rejection to your presence, pls abort the plan,'
• Never remove any branches or leaves to get a clearer view of your subject. This might leads to a possible attack on thier lifes by other predator.
• Do not attempt to go near the subject and take note on the comfort shooting distance