Often nervous creatures, birds can be exceedingly difficult to photograph. Birdwatchers, or birders, usually have a good approach for getting close to their subjects without causing any disturbance.

Some birders may wish to use a scope in addition to their cameras so they can get closer shots. Without the scope, one must get fairly close to the subject to ensure clear, crisp photographs. For many birders, “stalking” the birds can be a tricky task. Below are some tips on stalking birds for digital photography opportunities.

Tips for Stealthily Stalking Birds:
1. Prepare your digital camera and all its accessories before getting too close to your subject. If you want to use a certain lens, be sure that you’ve already attached it prior to approaching your bird of choice. Also check your battery.

2. Make slow movements and be as quiet as possible.

3. Advance in a zigzag or diagonal pattern, not a direct beeline.

4. Avoid eye contact with the bird. Wildlife tend to associate eye contact with threats and aggressive predators.

5. If the bird picks up on your presence, it may stop eating, preening or whatever it is doing at the moment. It may abruptly stand up or stoop down. Don’t take another step. Stop moving and be as quiet as you possibly can be. Wait until a moment or two after the bird resumes its normal activity before proceeding.

6. Use trees, brush and other birders to screen you from the bird. If other distractions exist in the area, you’ll be better covered from sight.

7. Once you’ve gotten close enough to the bird to take some good shots, continue to be quiet and use the flash sparingly if you can get nice shots without it.

8. When you leave, take the same precautions so as not to disrupt the bird or other creatures in the area.

9. Carrying all your digital camera equipment – camera, scope, lenses, tripod – can become cumbersome. If you can’t get very close to your subject but your camera has at least five or six mega pixels, you should be able to crop the photo after the fact without losing any crispness or clarity. The high resolution of the photos will allow you to frame the shot closer to the bird in a software program, cropping it while retaining its high quality.

10. If you aren’t comfortable “stalking” your subjects, you could set up a blind. To do this, you’ll want to park your car, put up a tent or find something you can hide behind. Do this at least a day in advance or if you decide to use your car, be especially quiet when getting out of it. Many birds see cars on a daily basis, so there is a good chance that your vehicle may not disturb them.

Follow these tips to sneak up on birds without disturbing them. With a good digital camera and lots of practice and patience, you should be able to photograph some pretty remarkable birds.