Today is National Bird Day… and is celebrated as a way to bring awareness to the challenges that birds around the world face on a daily basis. Over the past number of years, many of us who enjoy photographing birds have noticed a decline in bird populations in our local area.

This article features some of my favourite images of wild birds as a reminder of the beauty of these wonderful creatures.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

According to a BirdLife International’s State of the World’s Bird Report about half of the world’s 11,000 species of birds are in decline, compared to six percent that are increasing.

Human activities are having a negative impact on birds. These include the destruction of natural habitat. Climate change. The use of pesticides. The proliferation of invasive species. And pollution.

Some conservation programs are showing positive results so the world still has some glimmers of hope.

By reviewing some of our personal behaviours we can make changes to help improve the environment, save habitats, and reduce our negative impacts on the planet… and our feathered friends.

If we want to support bird populations in our local area we can participate in actions to save habitats. We can join birding clubs and nature conservation groups.

In our own backyards we can provide nesting boxes and habitat like trees and shrubs that birds need for nesting and shelter.

We can feed birds year round. And, provide them with water.

We are rewarded for our support of birds.

Bird photography puts us in touch with nature.

It is one of the most popular genres of photography, being simultaneously rewarding and challenging.

Bird photography allows us to witness the complexity of relationships.

The majesty of flight.

The everyday struggle for survival.

The miracle of birth.

The affection and protection provided to offspring.

The aggression that comes with the defense of mates and territory.

We can experience the beauty of a wild bird reflected in their environment.

The natural inquisitiveness of nature.

See unique variations that visit us locally.

The harsh realities and competition that exists in nature.

We have much to give thanks for as photographers.

We have amazing technology at our finger tips that allow us to capture images with precise timing.

This allow us to see images in our minds before a bird has given us the unique opportunity we need to capture that moment in real time.

When we have the luxury of time, we can wait for a bird to perform its magic for us, capturing its beauty of movement.

A single photograph can make our day.

We can be captivated by a split second of aerobatics.

Even the smallest species can create awe in us as we witness the miracle of flight.

None of the incredible beauty of the birds that are around us is guaranteed for future generations. Or… even for us.

Birds are under threat. The question is… what are we prepared to do about it?

 Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,345 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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