How to shoot birds / other animals in nature?

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phillr

New member
I'm working on a corporate video showcasing a building. This building is located right on the shoreline as well as having a large forest nearby. There are alot of birds who enjoy visiting the back lawn area (which faces the lake/forest), and they occasionally get some squirrels, and on the extreme rare occasion a deer!

I'd like to include some shots (ideally close-ups) of the birds. Birds sitting in trees, or standing on the ground, or looking around, would be perfect. Anything more (e.g. a deer) would be icing on the cake.

I only have barebones gear (basic Sony HDV camera) and no budget for a fancy lens or anything.

Any ideas/thoughts on getting some birds together, or to have them stay in one spot?
 
Throw out some bread! Just make sure its not illegal or something. Never seen a place you cant feed the birds, but I'd check first. Be prepared to do some serious waiting as well. Birds and squirells are terrible at taking direction.
 
Instead of bread, use bird seed, and start throwing it in one area a few days before your shoot. This way, the birds will start looking at that area as a feeding source, and hang out there. Seeds will also blend in better than bread. Start baiting your deer the same way, but keep in mind they are out in the early morning.
 
Wow, I actually got replies! Thoguht this was the most random question ever. Thanks for the feedback guys.
 
Unlike some sites that pay posters, this is a site that is actually made up of enthusiasts and professionals. And I happen to like to keep the birds in my yard, so I learned how to bait them. I would have cardinals, doves, and blue jays land in the yard and eat while I'm sitting there. Blue jays love raw unsalted peanuts in the shell ;)
 
What? I could be getting paid to post?? :) Nah we like to help out here. The off the wall questions are my favorite anyways. Much better than which tripod should I get, I only have $5.
 
I agree Jeff. And I like to be a smartass, so who would pay for that? Well, there is my wife. She married me, and has been paying for it ever since ;)
 
Birds and squirells are terrible at taking direction.
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Amen.


They basically want 2 things - food & fresh water. A salt block, birdbath and seeds will bring 'em all.

Be careful what you wish for. I once needed a goose pic so dumped 25# of cracked corn. In 45 min had a near riot on the lawn - never knew how much a goose can **** - and the noise went on for hours.

Especially think twice about deer - especially if you have any ornamental plantings, roses (gad they love roses), etc.

Geese & squirrels can care less, but smaller birds can be very skittish. I set up my FX on sticks and run it remotely from a blind. Bring drinks and a good book.
 
Capt Quirk said:
Instead of bread, use bird seed, and start throwing it in one area a few days before your shoot. This way, the birds will start looking at that area as a feeding source, and hang out there. Seeds will also blend in better than bread. Start baiting your deer the same way, but keep in mind they are out in the early morning.
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Ditto.
...or maybe a week in advance. I feed the birds on a regular basis---(even the hawks). If I don't fill up the feeders early enough, they will be all around me waiting to get to those feeders. Also, pick a location or two and rig yourself a simple blind if you can. Just a one sided burlap screen would do it. Once they get used to the seed and water on a regular basis, you'll have it made.
 
If you don't move around, make sudden movements, they won't even mind you much. I had Doves eating around my chair, and a pair of Cardinals that would land 15 feet away.
 
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