Things You'll Need:
- DSLR Camera
- Telephoto lens (atleast 300mm)
- Car/ SUV
- Patience
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Step 1
Assuming that you have a camera and a telephoto lens, the first step is to "Know your bird".
Browse the internet and find information on that subject in terms of its choice habitat in your location, behavior (choice food, breeding season, roosting time etc). Pl. note wildlife is most distracted during their breeding season because they have better things on their mind than noticing you. -
Step 2
Once you have identified a favorite habitat, of that bird you want to photograph, in your locality. Reach the location as early in the morning as possible. Firstly there will be fewer people, secondly the lighting will be perfect and the bird will be out searching for food. Pl. note birds are early risers.
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Step 3
Once you have reached the location on time and spotted your candidate. Drive your car to about 50-60 feet from the bird and let the bird know you are there at this distance.
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Step 4
Now stay put around 50 feet until the bird is comfortable with your car, it should take anything from 15 mins to 3-4 visits to reach this state of comfort. Yes it does sometimes take 3-4 visits to get a wild shy raptor to get used to your car.
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Step 5
Assuming you were successful in the previous step, pl. approach the bird in your car (never try approaching on foot, car is one of the most effective hides mankind have ever designed) slowing and in a non-threatening manner till you reach about 25 feet, get your record shots and inch closer to about 15 feet. At 15 feet, with a DSLR & 300mm lens (with 2x converter) you should be able to get frame filling images of your dream raptor.
