It’s spring here in the Southern Hemisphere, which means warmer weather (and rain), an unfurling of blossoms and a cacophony of birdlife. It’s a good time for bird photography, as flower-laden trees attract birds and make for vibrant backgrounds. I’m back in Rotorua for two weeks on study break, and have been escaping every now and then to relax with a bit of photography. Dad and I chased New Zealand Pigeons (Kereru) in the last light up at Okareka the other day, and while he got some stunning flight shots, I had better luck with the Silvereyes.

I’ve been borrowing Dad’s D800 and enjoying the amount of detail in the resulting images, although the slower frame-rate has been something to get used to. But perhaps that’s another post. The challenge with shooting these images was holding up the 200-400mm f/4 for long periods to follow the movements of the birds through the trees. I’m out of practice and my arms get tired quite quickly, but I find that tucking my elbows in and bracing against my chest makes the job easier. Unfortunately the angle that the birds were at disallowed the use of a monopod, which is my preferred method of lens stabilisation!

I’m going to make the most of the good weather and my time at home to get some bird photos. The shy Blackbirds in my backyard are next on the list.