Bird photographers - OK to feed birds to attract them?

4 years 5 months ago #665673 by Richard K Photography
I'm kind of new to bird photography.  If you are out in nature, are there any ethical lines I would be crossing if I baited birds into a pre-selected frame?  Just to be clear, I'll be in a field, there is no harm that could happen to the birds.  They just get a free meal, and I get my shot.  

Is this OK?


Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665732 by effron
It is in my book, others will disagree. I feed them anyway, photographing them or not. 

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665755 by Nikon Shooter
I am not a birder in any way but I often shoot birds at the marsh.
There, I don't have to set baits but the subjects choice is limited
to water birds and the occasional winged visitor.

In my book, the end picture is the main point. If baiting is required,
then use it. I don't mind seeing the bird eat but what I don't appre-
ciate (as photographer/image hunter) is to see the bait or feeder in
the shot.

Some ingenious birders propose ways to get better kinds of shots.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665841 by effron
Upon further review, I don't like live baiting like some do to photograph Snowy Owls for example, using live mice trapped in a box. I hate mice but the technique doesn't sit with me. Of course, YMMV.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665846 by fmw
I would imagine the wild birds would love for you to feed them.  My wife keeps a small city of bird feeders in the back yard.  The birds seem to love them and my wife loves having the birds around.


Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665867 by effron
There are some benefits, Birds in our area (N central New England) suffer about a 50% die off in winter. I feed and water them through the rough months. I used to have certain beetle and fruit tree killing worms/caterpillars until many local birds began nesting here in spring. When the bugs come out, most Chickadees, Titmice, Cardinals and a few others prefer to eat them and the last few years I've had NO infestations. That's a good deal.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 5 months ago #665868 by garyrhook

effron wrote: I used to have certain beetle and fruit tree killing worms/caterpillars until many local birds began nesting here in spring. When the bugs come out, most Chickadees, Titmice, Cardinals and a few others prefer to eat them and the last few years I've had NO infestations. That's a good deal.


A winning system for everyone but the bugs. Sweet.


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

Too often, affordable online printing companies don’t meet your expectations of what a print should look like. But there are some choices that combine affordability with superb quality!

Apr 09, 2024