For a photographer, the best time of the day is when they are active. Birds are out in the open when they are hungry. They can be feeding at any time of the day, but photography is easier early in the morning and later in the afternoon.

It is easier to photograph birds with less leaves on the trees. The trade-off though is there will be less birds, for there is less shelter.

To take a photograph, you must know your subject. All birds are not available when you wish them to be. While some are full time residents, other birds migrate at different times of the year. If you are attempting to photograph a specific bird, read your guide(s) first. That could save time that is valuable to you.

Birds will sense a disturbance, such as a vehicle arriving, car doors shutting, etc. They may react by going into hiding. Find a place to hunker down and be patient. The birds will return to feed and perhaps satisfy their curiosity. Keep as quiet as you are able, both verbally and physically. Keep as motionless as possible.

Patience is essential. Waiting until the bird does something interesting, will lead to better photos. A shot of a bird merely sitting is boring. The beauty of digital camera with a large memory card is you are able to keep shooting. You will need to do so to get the perfect shot. You can delete the photos and save the good ones. Do not delete from the camera, while in the middle of your shoot. That creates motion. The screens are small and you may delete a shot that has detail you can only see on your personal computer at home.

Waiting will pay dividends for if they are not frightened, they will come right to you. When a bird becomes alarmed, it will fly away. If a member of a flock is disturbed, the rest are almost guaranteed they will follow.

Zooming in is important. Pre-focus your camera on a particular location. The closer the camera can move in, the better your photograph will be. If a bird does not directly come over near you, you can still zoom in on one. This will make it look like you were right next to the bird.

A natural perspective is important. An eye-level approach is best. Use your instincts and take your shot. If you are using a remote controlled shutter, take more than one shot. Most digital cameras will allow five in a row before they must process. With patience and practice you may get a perfect shot! Be flexible. With changes in light, try different angles. They will make the finished results more enjoyable.

If the birds do not notice you, you will get a better photograph of them. In the U.K., there are bird blinds. Jaime and her friends have visited several and enjoyed spectacular results. It appeared to Jaime in P.E.I., photographers would have to create their own. Making a hiding spot for yourself will help your photography. Jaime made a barrier with plants and small trees simply by sitting quietly and waiting. It is called Bird-blind photography. Wearing appropriate clothing helps. If you see an exciting bird resist the urge to become excited. The bird will perceive motion as a threat and will likely leave. If fellow birdwatchers are handy, they justifiably be upset. Do not destroy the environment making a blind. Leave the limbs on the trees.

Vehicles can act as blinds. Drive slowly. Turn the radio or stereo off and keep talking to a minimum. Wind the window down and turn on the zoom. Turn the engine off to avoid vibration from the vehicle. Try to avoid the side view mirrors and reflections that could throw the exposure off in the camera. Birds used to cars will see you as a part of the car and therefore not an immediate threat.

I travel in pairs to do what I do. My "companion of the day" is usually a good friend. It takes only one small mistake to scare off a photo opportunity. Photographing alone is easier than being in a group. I suggest that we spread out to different locations, at least several hundred years apart - if not more. I don't feel I am competition with the person I am traveling with. I always applaud the best photo, whomever gets it. The birds will become upset with the more people that are involved. If you don't wish to travel, attempt to attract birds to your neighbourhood. Feeders readily attract birds. Clean your windows daily with a vinegar based solution before taking pictures of the activity at your feeders.

Studying work from other photographer will assist you to set goals. Not everyone can shoot for National Geographic. Their photographs however can show you the standard many reach for. Enter contests such as the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation's annual event, will assist your work. When you capture an exceptionally good photo, attempt to obtain similar results.

Take care of your photos. Archive them all for future use.