My Best 'Birds-in-Flight' Photos

I learned that if you have your camera in your hand, and you see a flying bird, you should try taking a photo of it. It will show you your knowledge of your camera, and your speed as a photographer, because you have only a few seconds to act. It is a way of showing yourself where your camera skill level is.

I did this with my new camera, and among a lot of blurred photos, I actually took a few good ones. There are a few photos that came out a bit blurry, but I think that gives the photo a nice effect. What do you think? Tell me which one is your favorite.


A Vulture


A Fish Eagle


An Eagle


A Hummingbird


A Bird (cannot identify)


A Kite


A Saddle-billed Stork


A Saddle-billed Stork


A Fish Eagle


An African Harrier Hawk

Tell me which one is your favorite.

Those are great. I have to say that the eagle and humming bird ones are my favorites.

I dig those stork pics!
The humming bird is pretty sweet!
Birds are just cool...period!

a reply to: RoadCourse

I have thousands of Bird photos. But decided to break them down into catagoties, and post them. One of these days I will share photos of the most beautifully coloured birds in SA I have photographed, and give a bit of into on them.

Thanks for enjoying my photos

a reply to: IndependentOpinion

Stunning!
I want to do a watercolor or pastel of the hummingbird!

LoL, the last one looks like he's sayin "Lookin at me? Take a picture, it'll last longer!" TeeHee.

No...Thank you for sharing!
Great work.
Keep on keepn' on!

a reply to: RoadCourse

That's true, but thanks anyway for taking a look!!

a reply to: new_here

I want to do a watercolor or pastel of the hummingbird!

If you do, be sure to share!!!!

originally posted by: IndependentOpinion
a reply to: new_here

I want to do a watercolor or pastel of the hummingbird!

If you do, be sure to share!!!!

Sure thing-- I'm glad you don't mind. Should really have asked permission!
I usually do people, but occasionally animals, like my father-in-law's spoiled rotten cat, lol:

a reply to: new_here

Neh I really don't mind! You did say you want to, that is why I don't have a problem with it. Who am I to spoil your fun?

Aaaah, it looks a lot like the cat I had as a child!!

Star for that!

a reply to: IndependentOpinion

I have an old Cannon camera from the era before digital. I learned to take it off 'manual' and play with F-stop and aperture settings to get stop-action and other fun effects. I have a digital camera now but it just doesn't seem as good, even though it is 'supposed' to be. If you don't mind me asking, what brand/model camera do you use? I think you are a fantastic photographer to capture such amazing shots!

a reply to: new_here

I always says older is better, newer is just easier.

A Canon EOS 50D and a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens with a Kenko PRO1d UV 67mm filter.

what great shots, IndependentOpinion, and what a great idea. I often try to capture the birds flying above my house but I’m always too slow. by the time I open the camera the birds are gone or are too far away. you must be waiting for them?

I like many of your pictures, from the hummingbird to the hawk who seems to look straight into your camera. but most I like the first picture of the storks. the atmosphere is so subtle and the whole picture reminds me of japanese art.

the unidentified bird picture is interesting. what is going on there? does the bird carry that huge twig?

Wow! Beautiful photos! I too loved the hummingbird one the best.

a reply to: Sanssouci

Thanks. I have the same problem when trying to take photos at home. Those photos was taken in the Kruger Park, let is more open space there, and you have a few more seconds before you cannot see them anymore.

Yes the unidentified bird is carrying that twig to his new nest.

a reply to: Night Star

Thanks Night!!