Are All Us "Birders" Decided in Photography?

This section of the forum could possibly be the quietest of all, but yet the subject matter requires a good level of technical knowledge and equipment.

So are we all so decided that we don't need to ask anymore?

No - I think that many/most of us think that we know what we are doing - fatal mistake!

Foggiest wrote in post #16901947
This section of the forum could possibly be the quietest of all, but yet the subject matter requires a good level of technical knowledge and equipment.

So are we all so decided that we don't need to ask anymore?

There are many things I could use some help with, but I usually just assume that no one here would respond with the answers. Maybe that is wrong for me to assume, and I have been missing out on a potentially good source of useful information.

One question I have regards playback calls*. I just bought an iPod and a smart phone (android). I want to use one (or both) of these devices to play bird calls, but have no clue how to go about getting the sounds on the devices. Is there an online source for good playback calls? Getting all of the North American species at once would be helpful.
*I realize that some folks view the use of these calls as an ethical dilemma. I have already considered that issue, and am not seeking input on that at this time.

Well that was an unexpected couple of replies!
I did expect the opposite in fact, *looks at Tom:p*

Don't know about Iphone stuff, I detest mobile phones!
Here's a couple I found, first is a free library, second claims to be able to identify by a recording £3:
https://itunes.apple.c​om …d-sounds/id586869673?mt=​8
https://itunes.apple.c​om …ognition/id6013​62210?mt=8

I'm a newbie when it comes to bird photography. I got hooked when a barred owl showed up in our backyard not long after I got my first DSLR and had just purchased my 70-300L back in the spring of 2012.

I have never posted in this thread or the other "bird" threads mainly because I started out in the 60D threads and several people there guided my journey into bird photography. In addition, I do follow a couple people at the various "lens" threads and they have been very helpful.

I'll start paying more attention to the birding threads. I do often comment on the excellent photographs posted but haven't sought out advice.

I really believe that if this forum was placed underneath the Birds (Photo Forum), it'd be seen, as it is now, I think that a lot of people don't realize this is here. Being a sub-forum probably has a lot to do with it, I'd imagine. I know for me, I really didn't venture into here until I was really acclimated to this place, (meaning I didn't see it) and then I didn't for a while because, well, I don't really know why... I do know that the sub-forums area is the FIRST place that I check daily, because there are two of my favorite things to read there, "Bird Talk", and "Celestial Talk", so NOW I come here. I would think that others have similar stories like this, but, I also think that there is a slight 'fear' that you shouldn't post any images here. At least, those that know this is a 'talk only' place may feel that way. I know that images 'can' be placed here, but not as like in "Birds"...

Anyway, it'd be really nice if more people read and used this place, I know that I learn something every day here, so learning more can't be a bad thing.

Randy

Peterson's Field Guide App has calls arranged with the species. A friend got it as a 'Free App of the Day'. There are other apps available. check with ABA. American Birding Association.

Foggiest wrote in post #16901947
This section of the forum could possibly be the quietest of all, but yet the subject matter requires a good level of technical knowledge and equipment.

So are we all so decided that we don't need to ask anymore?

I may be wrong but I think a lot of newbies like me lurk the forum picking up tips here and there. A lot of questions that people may have are answered in the stickies or answered elsewhere in the forums.

Some really unexpected and interesting replies!
To make myself clear, I am still a noob, with only a T2i(550D) and a 456.
Money is all but done and I shuffle for a 7d at best.
So in this respect I feel that discussing equipment is kinda mute for me.

This is where I was asking the question from, I am all but finished with gear, I have several targets that I aim to shoot, and thus my immediate future is set in photography.

The thread has now made me wonder other things, the difference between a forum and a wiki.
There are some very nice and helpful people here, with great experience to draw from.
Is a shame that the birders don't chat more, I know I have said dumb stuff and had my backside gently kicked by Tom et al. I wouldn't have it any other way, we learn and grow that way IMHO.

Foggiest wrote in post #16908229
There are some very nice and helpful people here, with great experience to draw from. Is a shame that the birders don't chat more . . .

I also wish that the bird & wildlife folks on here would chat more, and discuss their passion more. Perhaps you could start a new thread, something along the lines of the "Bird Photographer's Chat Thread". My only concern is that it would turn into a discussion on gear.

It would be great of there was more discussion on the photography itself, and about the birds themselves. Now that I think about it, I guess the reason I am not more active on this sub-forum is because I am afraid that most people will want to talk about lenses and cameras, and that discussions about techniques, strategy, light, perspective, composition, etc. will be largely ignored.

If you do start such a thread, I'd really enjoy it!

Foggiest wrote in post #16908229
I know I have said dumb stuff and had my backside gently kicked by Tom et al. I wouldn't have it any other way, we learn and grow that way IMHO.

Oh, so sorry if I've responded to you in a mean-spirited way. I do have a bad habit of being very blunt and critical whenever I see something here on POTN that appears to be an inaccurate statement (perhaps you said something that I thought was incorrect). Sorry about that - I'll try to be nicer in the future.

One thing that might be an idea within the subsection would be a Critique thread. It maybe could help thick skinned newbs like me get better. I know theres a critique corner section within the forums but its very general and having skimmed through it I dont think theres many bird enthusiasts posting or looking at it.

It seems to me the Wildlife and Bird forum have been the kindest and are generous with advice, sure have been a big help in my learning curve. I must also become familiar with the equipment I have, learn to use it to the best of my ability since this is a hobby, not a profession so the 800mm L is not in my near future. Technique, strategy,light,composi​tion that Tom mentioned become important topics as they are a large part for success no matter what lens or body we own.
Tom Reichner, you came up with with an idea for a thread so feel free to get us started.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #16908848
If you do start such a thread, I'd really enjoy it!

Oh, so sorry if I've responded to you in a mean-spirited way. I do have a bad habit of being very blunt and critical whenever I see something here on POTN that appears to be an inaccurate statement (perhaps you said something that I thought was incorrect). Sorry about that - I'll try to be nicer in the future.

Tom, I think one of us should start the thread!
"The Bird Brained Bar"?

I think you misunderstand me, I was referring to that being wrong and being corrected firmly (don't forget my big mouth here!) is a good thing.
If I can't be dumb in the open, I'll never find it all out!
To add to this, I often find that in these exchanges you get know a person, I can be wrong and mouthy, but not petulant and sulky, so again there is humour and learning people.
If you see what I am try to get at (and not very fluently it would seem!).

Tom Reichner wrote in post #16902842
One question I have regards playback calls*. I just bought an iPod and a smart phone (android). I want to use one (or both) of these devices to play bird calls, but have no clue how to go about getting the sounds on the devices. Is there an online source for good playback calls? Getting all of the North American species at once would be helpful.
*I realize that some folks view the use of these calls as an ethical dilemma. I have already considered that issue, and am not seeking input on that at this time.

I have ibird pro for android. Its pretty cheap and has basically EVERYTHING in North America.
Ive used the calls to refresh my memory as well as get a bird to pop out of a thick bush. I just dont play the sound alot, as you know already.

As for help, I'm all about helping others as others on here helped me get to where I am. I
I think a discussion thread should be started. I can do that if its not already done.

Is this the area that already discusses all the technique etc?
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=518554

Jeremy, that thread is certainly full of good stuff, but it hasn't been updated recently and is closed to new entries, so if we do want a wide-open discussion/question/an​swer thread, someone would have to start one!

I will say for myself, this sub-forum is one that I'm subscribed to, it shows up at the bottom of my "subscribed threads" list along with "Wildlife Talk" and "Macro Talk", so I get "prompted" to check it pretty often!

However, in the past few years I've been through some "tumult" in my life that has, among other things, hampered both my ability/mobilization to get out and find/shoot birds and wildlife and such, as well as my motivation, so even though I like to "look" at all the great shots people are getting I haven't had much to contribute for quite a while, either in photos or in the discussions...