This months tip covers a technique whereby the photographer uses their vehicle as a blind. How many times have you sat and watched a bird from your vehicle only to have it flush the moment you exit the car? The reason for this is that birds are often used to vehicular traffic and may not feel threatened by its presence.

Some wildlife areas have "wildlife drives" which offer excellent opportunities for photography. Ding Darling Refuge in Florida is famous for it's wildlife drive. A nice area in Ontario to try this is the St.Clair Wildlife Area near Chatham,Ontario. Depending upon the time of year, it offers good opportunities for Great Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Great Egrets and Pied-billed Grebes. In practice however, any roadway that parallels good habitat is a candidate. The trick is that you must scout the area to learn what is present and the best time of day.

Using a mobile blind allows you to cover more territory and to do it in style. The elevation gained helps in seeing over reeds and grasses, and you are protected from the elements. You can also have food and drink readily available and a variety of equipment at your fingertips.

As with any telephoto photography, stability of your equipment is paramount. There are many ways to achieve this goal. The equipment needs to be protected from vibration, as well as being stable. The simplest method is to rest your camera on a rolled towel or beanbag placed on the windowsill. However, it is difficult to use with manual focus or zoom rings, and as well you are not able to let go of the camera. More sophisticated commercially available devices such as those produced by Manfrotto, L.L.Rue and Kirk Enterprises solve these shortcomings by allowing the use of a standard tripod head. These devices are mounted directly to the window and/or door. They allow the advantage of using a cable release.

A ballhead with quick release plate is ideal in this situation as they allow for quick set-up. With a little ingenuity, you can easily make your own "Window Pod". * In a pinch, you can even manipulate a tripod to serve the same function.

Regardless of which method of support you use, you must turn the engine off, as even the slightest vibration will blur your images. Try to maintain a shutter speed of 1/125 or faster for best results. As mentioned in Tips #1, pay close attention to the direction of light on your subject; avoid distracting backgrounds and carefully position the subject in the frame for a more interesting composition. As with any blind work you must position the vehicle carefully, as once you are in position, it is difficult to move without startling the bird. In addition, slow movements of yourself and your equipment are essential to avoid scaring off your subject.

There are two main methods that can be used. One is to position yourself where you have seen the subject previously, and wait for it. It is often helpful to make a camouflage curtain to cover the window to hide any movements you make. * This is especially useful for wary birds. A simple curtain can be made from a piece of dark cloth, elastic straps, and a few suction cups with hooks. Cut the material to cover the window you will be shooting from(always add a few inches), sew the elastic strap into loops and position in the corners of the material. To use, place the suction cups onto the windows infront and behind the window you will be shooting through. Attach the straps to the suction cup hooks to hold the curtain up. Be sure to cut a hole for the lens and a few for observation.

The other method involves cruising slowly in suitable habitat with your camera and mount at the ready. When a subject is spotted, you shut the engine off and coast quietly into position. Be aware however, that changing position is difficult to do without startling your subject. With this method, be sure to obey traffic laws and use common sense.

In summary using this technique will provide you with new photographic opportunities however, be careful that the local law enforcement doesn't hear about your "Drive-by Shootings!" Next month, join us for a discussion on film selection.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

* If you would like more information on making your own "Window Pod" or "Camo Curtain" please feel free to email the authors for suggestions.

( Scott Fairbairn and John Reaume)