Locations and time of day

[eaglesnest]

I am new in this field.I plan to do birds shooting (for the 1st time) but don't know good locations around my area. I live in GTA Toronto, Canada and don't mind to drive up to 1-1 1/2 hr.
What is supposed to be the ideal time of the day to do birds shooting?
Thanks for the tips.

[Nighthound]

Birds are most active at daybreak, feeding, etc. This is when the light is low but also very warm in tone. Some refer to this time as the golden hour but I find it lasts a bit less than that at its peak. Late evening is also good for this type light and often the birds are active then as well. Avoid shooting in the middle of the day if possible. The harsh light causes hard shadows and very bright highlights making exposures much trickier.

Get the sun at your back and look for some nice settings and backgrounds for your subjects and have fun. Good luck.

[Mike J.]

Can you set up a feeding station, etc in your own yard? Also, if you can attract a couple of nesting birds, they will be active most of the day preparing a nest and then feeding young. I have followed a couple of nesting bluebirds and chickadee's these past few weeks and they are continually busy all day.

[alohabob]

If you haven't looked/watched closely, you may be amazed at the variety of birds in your general vicinity. I mean , there are falcons on skyscrapers, herons in city parks. Rare species on migration... People are very surprised sometimes at what's right there in front of them they just haven't noticed! Anyway, have fun!!!

[Sn33zy]

I always go out early in the morning. I found that the birds are then the most active. So far I only shot in the neighbourhood, just some garden birds and waders around the seafront. But I am amazed by the amount of species just around the corner!

Happy shooting!!

[Alvy]

If you do pass any stunning locations around your area, it may be worth sharing them on http://www.shootlocate.com ;)

[StevenM]

Contact local bird clubs for locations...and times. You may want to factor the weather in as well...barometric pressure can affect bird behavior and different types of clouds filter light in unique ways. Good luck

[mikeivan]

I struggle to catch that golden hour but find anytime before 11 am can be good, especially in winter. If you are not a morning person (like me), a lightly overcast day can be good for photography all day. Here is a website for Ontario hotspots:
http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/caontario.htm