When using the 1DX, my default ISO is 1600 and I will push it to 3200 if light is not great. When using the Canon 1D4, I set the ISO to 800 when light is excellent and push it to maximum of 1600 if light is poor. Determine the ISO based on the camera and light.I determine my exposure setting in the following way:
PEREGRIN FALCON PHOTOS MANUAL
I also highly recommend using only MANUAL exposure control as the birds fly against a changing background.Ĭanon 5D3, Canon 800mm f5.6, 1/5000, f5.6, ISO 1600, handheld. Minimum focal length of 400mm preferably longer 700–840mm.(How many largest RAW files can be taken is a burst). Camera which is capable of delivering relatively clean files in high ISO in order to get the high shutter speed even in less than perfect light.Use a camera with the most accurate and fast focusing system and settings.Here are a few recommendations based on my experience: To maximize the chances of getting quality images during those few seconds I recommend using the best possible body and lens. They fly very swiftly and I usually have the bird for no more than two to three seconds in my viewfinder. In a standard three-hour session I normally have very few opportunities (if any) as the birds fly to and from the nesting ledge. Of course a long lens has a great advantage and will automatically generate some breathing room for the birds.Ĭanon 5D3, Canon 800mm f5.6, 1/3200, f5.6, ISO 2000, handheld. Non-breeding birds or floating vagrant falcons at random spots can be more actively pursued. If photographing the falcons during the breeding season is necessary, the most ethical way is to make the visits as brief as possible and keep as much distance between yourself and the birds as you can.
Birds are unable to count and they see a person leaving, and believe that all is clear. Consider walking into the hide before sunrise, although peregrines have extremely good night vision.Īnother option is to have a “walk in person” to go with you-two people enter the hide and one leaves.
They will get used to the hide being there, and then you can proceed in your photography attempts.
The chicks also can get caught up in this confusion, especially if it is late in the season when the birds are nearly fledged and may prematurely leave the nest with potentially disastrous consequences.Ĭanon 5D3, Canon 800mm f5.6, 1/4000, f7.1, ISO 1600, handheld.Īn option for photographing the falcons safely is to habituate the birds at a nest leaving a hide (if possible) a week or so before photography starts. They can also tire considerably under these circumstances and overheat, becoming lethargic and clumsy on the wing which may result in the adult birds injuring themselves. Nesting successfully is difficult enough, without human interference. Peregrines cannot afford to burn this energy. It will only stop attacking when the threat is gone. Any time spent defending a nest and territory seriously jeopardizes the well-being of both the young and the adults.Ĭanon 1DX, Canon 800mm f5.6, 1/500, f5.6, ISOS 3200, tripod, hide.Ĭontinuous harassment or encroachment where the adults are trying to incubate successfully, brood young and provide food for a growing family may cause the birds to nest elsewhere the following season, which could be on a substandard ledge that affects the chances of a successful breeding attempt.Ī falcon trying to disperse intruders will use the ‘hek hek hek’ or ‘kak kak kak’ call and make passing swoops to scare the potential predator, sometimes even hitting the intruder. Photographers need to consider they are entering the peregrine’s world, and that for this bird to successfully breed requires an enormous amount of energy. Humans are not so easily scared away and may stay at a nest watching the spectacle for hours on end. eagles, ravens, and even pelicans, as well as various mammals including dogs). Peregrines may be able to chase and scare off any of their natural predators easily (e.g. Pairs breeding in urban environments may be more tolerant to human activity but if you exceed the boundary, the falcon will certainly react, especially during the breeding season. Peregrines are highly territorial and become agitated and often attack intruders. In this article I would like to share a few important facts for consideration when attempting to photograph these magnificent birds.
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