back lit birds

[Trik]

I am very new to digital SLR photography, and use a 300D with a 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS lens, although I am hoping to get a better bit of glass sometime.

We built a hide in the garden but I found that it just wasn`t close enough. The only other place it could go which is closer to the feeders is in a position where the birds are back lit by the sun. Moving the feeders is not really feasible, as there is nowhere else to hang them. If I use a remote flash, it will frighten the birds away; I have thought of using a reflector, but that might scare them too. Is there anything anyone could suggest, please? Some camera setting, perhaps?

Many thanks

[Scottes]

Put a chair by the feeders, about 20 feet away. Position it so the chair is facing the feeders and the sun is at it's back. Grab a book, and read in the chair for a while. When you leave, move the chair a foot closer to the feeders.

When the birds are used to you, bring the camera out. Hold it in the hand that's not holding the book, move it around a bit. Don't point it towards them and don't take any pictures. When they are really used to you and the camera *then* take some pictures. Do not move too quickly.

I figure one good book should do it.

No kidding. I generally have chickadees eating from my hands within a week. After a few weeks even the skittish birds, like the titmouses, will get used to you.

[HJMinard]

Great advice, Scott! Do you do that in the winter? :)

That will work for squirrels, too, if you're interested. Most critters will tolerate us when they realize we're not a threat.

[Trik]

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, the birds I really want to get shots of appear at odd times; sometimes hours can go by before they turn up. The regular visitors are already used to my presence so I have loads of photos of them. However, since putting this question, I came up with a new idea. We have bought a cheap camping toilet tent and covered the frame with the camouflage netting we already have. It is big enough to sit comfortably in (think of it`s original use ;) ) and I have been able to site it where I want, which is great. It was also cheaper than a new lens...

Trik