National Bird Day

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.

Nikon 1 V2 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 192mm, efov 517mm, f/5.6, 1/2500, ISO-800

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.

Nikon 1 V2 + Nikon 1 CX 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-160

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.

Nikon 1 V2 + Nikon 1 CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm (efov 810mm), f/5.6, 1/3200, ISO-720

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

Nikon 1 V2 + Nikon 1 CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-1000

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.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO-1600

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.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 246mm, efov 664mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO-900

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

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 270 mm, efov 729 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-2800

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

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/3200, ISO-3200, Pro Capture H mode, subject distance 6.8 metres

We are rewarded for our support of birds.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300mm @ 201mm, efov 543mm, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO-250

Bird photography puts us in touch with nature.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 192mm, efov 518mm, f/6.3, 1/2000, ISO-1000

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

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO-400

Bird photography allows us to witness the complexity of relationships.

Nikon 1 V2 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 201 mm, efov 543 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-250, captured at 15 frames per second

The majesty of flight.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-1100

The everyday struggle for survival.

Olympus TG-5 @ 6 mm, efov 33.3 mm, f/2.3, 1/125, ISO-320

The miracle of birth.

Australian Coot with chick at Hobbiton, New Zealand, Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 234.5 mm, efov 633.2 mm, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO-500

The affection and protection provided to offspring.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 258 mm, efov 696.6 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-360

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

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikkor CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-500

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

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/320, ISO-4000, subject distance 1.7 metres

The natural inquisitiveness of nature.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO-1250

See unique variations that visit us locally.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 212 mm, efov 424 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-250, subject distance 5.6 metres

The harsh realities and competition that exists in nature.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/7.1, 1/2500, ISO-12800, subject distance 6.5 metres, cropped to 4622 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H

We have much to give thanks for as photographers.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/5.6, 1/2500, ISO-3200, Pro Capture H mode

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

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.7 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 560 mm, efov 1120 mm, f/9, 1/2500, ISO-2000, Pro Capture H mode, subject distance 24.8 metres

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS with M.Zuiko MC-14 teleconverter @ 210 mm, efov 420 mm, f/8.1, 1/2500, ISO-6400, Pro Capture H, subject distance 7 metres

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

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/8, 1/6400, ISO-2000, Bird Detection AI Subject Tracking, cropped to 2997 pixels on the width, subject distance 21.7 metres

A single photograph can make our day.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 385 mm, efov 770 mm, f/6.3, 1/1600, ISO-250, Pro Capture L, Bird Detection AI, cropped to 3500 pixels on the width, subject distance 60.4 metres

We can be captivated by a split second of aerobatics.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 400 mm, efov 800 mm, f/6.3, 1/5000, ISO-2500, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3122 pixels on the width, subject distance 16.9 metres

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

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/5000, ISO-800, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2677 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.7 metres

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

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 30-110 mm f/3.8-5.6 @ 34 mm, efov 91.8 mm, f/5.6, 1/125, ISO-800

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.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 292 mm, efov 584 mm, f/6.3, 1/2500, ISO-5000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 4214 pixels on the height, subject distance 4.9 metres

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *