Best Time to Photograph Missouri Birds???

[Caleb Royer]

I just got into wildlife photography, so I don't know when to do what, anyway I would like to know what the best time is to photograph Missouri birds?

Thanks a Lot,

Caleb

[John Chardine]

Caleb- This is not Missouri-specific comment but I imagine it's not that much different to anywhere else at similar latitudes. Anyway I would say that all times of year provide wildlife photography opportunities and each season or period is different. This is one thing that makes wildlife photography so exiting- the changing environment out there. Spring gives you migrant birds with lots of visibility if you start when the leaves are still off the trees. Missouri is right in the middle of the Mississippi Flyway for waterfowl. Early summer you have resident birds setting up territories, singing etc. Wetlands are usually productive for waterfowl through spring and summer. The lazy days at the end of summer can be quiet but then, here at least the fall migration starts with the sandpipers moving through, and then the others come. Ducks moult to spectacular plumage and start pairing up in the late fall- they make terrific subjects. And then winter comes, which here in southern Canada is relatively quiet but is still a very exciting time because the lighting is often so good. All this just skims the surface. I'm sure you have rich opportunities in the state.

What would be useful for you is to get to know some real "hotspots" for bird photography in your state and when they get "hot". I'm sure there are BPNers out there who know a lot more about this than I do.

[Caleb Royer]

Thanks for all the info John, that is rely helpful but what I rely meant was what time of day?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

On sunny days from sunrise until the light gets harsh and from about 4 PM until sunset. Most birds around here are most active at these times, too.

[John Chardine]

Thanks for all the info John, that is rely helpful but what I rely meant was what time of day?

I wondered if you meant that!

I'll add to Axel's comment and say I love cloudy days when the shadows are not deep and the air is clear and still (i.e., no shimmer).