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.
How you can help keep this site advertising free
My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to support my work, you can purchase an eBook, or make a donation through PayPal. Both are most appreciated.
Our eBooks…
The Finding Visual Expression eBook is designed to provide readers with some photographic inspiration and composition ideas. The Little Camera That Could details our extensive experience using the Nikon 1 system. Our eBooks also include a number of travel photography publications including Images of Ireland, New Zealand Tip-to-Tip, Desert & Mountain Memories, Images of Greece, and Nova Scotia Photography Tour. We also have a business leadership parable… Balancing Eggs.
Donations support this website…
If you click on the Donate button below you will find that there are three donation options: $7.50, $10.00 and $20.00. All are in Canadian funds. Plus, you can choose a different amount if you want. You can also increase your donation amount to help offset our costs associated with accepting your donation through PayPal. An ongoing, monthly contribution to support our work can also be done through the PayPal Donate button below.
You can make your donation through your PayPal account, or by using a number of credit card options.
Word of mouth is the best form of endorsement. If you like our website please let your friends and associates know about our work. Linking to this site or to specific articles is allowed with proper acknowledgement. Reproducing articles, or any of the images contained in them, on another website or in any social media posting is a Copyright infringement.
Article is Copyright 2023 Thomas Stirr. Images are Copyright 2014-2023. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!