This month's article will explore from a photographer's perspective, the opportunities for bird photography of the Carden Alvar near Kirkfield, Ontario. The first article dealing with bird photography hotspots dealt with Bosque del Apache in New Mexico (see tips # 28).
First we should mention that there is an amazing resource available for birding in this area. Birding Guide to Carden Alvar by Ron Pittaway. This was originally printed in the OFO News (Newsletter of the Ontario Field Ornithologists). A detailed map of the area is supplied, along with a route for bird watchers. In addition, an annotated list of Carden birds is supplied with an indication of their relative abundance. It is not the purpose of this article to reiterate the contents of this resource but to provide a different perspective (i.e. that of a photographer).
A bird photographer must be prepared with little notice to take an opportunistic photo of any bird (or other subject) that presents itself. Having said this, it definitely pays to research an area and if you have a specific target species in mind, you can greatly increase the likelihood of success with advanced preparation.
This past spring when we planned our trip we had two target species in mind, the Upland Sandpiper and the Common Snipe. From reviewing Ron Pittaway's article, we knew that they are fairly common in the Carden Alvar. These birds are known to be conspicuous and often perch on fence posts. With luck, we would find these birds on an old moss-covered post as opposed to a steel post. By examining the map we could see that certain roads ran essentially north - south. By starting at the south end of the road, you will shoot to the west taking advantage of front lighting from the rising sun. This provides the perfect opportunity for some drive by shooting (see tips # 3). The fence posts will be essentially at eye level when shooting out of the vehicle window providing the eye-level perspective (see tips # 18).
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| Upland Sandpiper |
One such road is known as Wylie Road and this road was targeted as our first priority. We timed our arrival to sunrise at the south end of this road. As can be seen in the accompanying photos we were able to get shots of our target species much as we had planned. We were also able to take advantage of other birds such as Eastern Kingbirds, Barn Swallows, Brown Thrasher, Bobolinks as well as an American Toad and several wildflowers.
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| Eastern Kingbird Family |
As the day progressed and the lighting changed, so did our route change to take advantage of the best light. We used the harsh light of midday to explore other roads in the region. This time we were looking for areas that would be lit by the afternoon sun. By scouting during the harshest light, we were able to ensure we were in the best location at the appropriate time. Generally we were using the drive by shooting technique so we spent most of our time on roads that were oriented north - south to take advantage of the best light angle. The east - west roads would leave us with sidelighting, which is generally more difficult to work.
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| Common Snipe |
Without going into a great deal of specifics this general approach has served us well when we first explore an unknown area. That is, to research as much as possible before you leave home (i.e. target species and routes). Be sure to get into the field during the best light and try generally to stick to your game plan. Always remember to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. Finally, use the worst light of the day to do your exploring in preparation for the afternoon light.
