How to photograph Spotted Nutcracker?

Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes is a smart bird to photograph. I posted a series of Nutcracker images in January 2014 and opportunities for photographing Spotted Nutcracker in Bulgaria.

Now I want to tell you about a new project I have. It is related to taking wide angle pictures of Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes. I realised I could do this when setting up a feeder with peanuts in a mountain resort not far from where I live. The birds were not afraid at all. Initially I had my 400 mm lens set on my camera but when i saw the birds coming down to 30-50 cm then I decided to try with a few wide angle pics and mounted my 10-18 mm zoom lens. Here are some of my first attempts:

Once I got enough of it I went back to the 400 mm lens and took some classic shots of Spotted Nutcrackers:

Nutcracker, Canon 60D, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, 400 mm, f 6.3, 1/640, ISO 1000

 

 

So, here are some steps that may help you photograph Spotted Nutcracker:

• choose an area that is well visited and Nutcrackers are used to people;
• be ready to recognize Spotted Nutcracker call;
• set up a feeder with peanuts in a quiet location;
• use 70-200/f 2.8 mm lens or even wide angle 10 mm;

Good luck, will be happy if you link to this material once you get your shots.

Photographing Spotted Nutcrackers Nucifraga caryocatactes is really easy in winter time so if you happen to come to Sofia, Bulgaria please do not hesitate to drop me a line if you want to give it a try.

Stay tuned for more cracking Nutcracker photos.

Feel free to share your experience and comment under this post.