In nature photography, photographing birds while nesting is a highly debated topic. One school of thought says just ‘No’ and the other says ‘Be Responsible’. This is my independent view and I am no expert on birds and their behavior.

I have seen birds abandoning their eggs and chic once they feel their nest has been intruded. As a kid, I recollect putting back fallen eggs into the nest only to see them being thrown out again by the bird. The eggs/chic were getting abandoned. Even worse, they could abandon the nest too. The behavior may not be for all birds. However, Is it worth risking their life for the sake of photography?

I have seen common birds like pigeon nesting and hatching in many flower pots at home/garden/balcony. I guess they got too used to people.

On few occasions, I have photographed birds along with nest from a safe distance. The distance have ranged from 10 feet to 30 feet. The locations have been inside a national park where one is not allowed to drive off-road or walk close to the nest. Therefore, I assumed it is relatively safe for these birds. I am not sure whether I would have the courage to go close to the nest for reasons of photography.

Some of the recommendations I have gathered over time are:

1. Be atleast 10 feet away from the nest. Therefore, never try with mobile/smart phones.
2. Do not disclose the location. The biggest threat today to these sensitive birds are the ‘wannabee’ photographers who would get into any level of unethical nature photography for the purpose of ‘recognition’. (Google about ‘frog photography’ and one would get shocked and disgusted!)
3. Do not post the photos in forums inviting the ‘wannabees’.
4. Avoid using flash from close range. (However many birders use flash/strobes to freeze motion and also as fill flash, using flash extenders, while shooting from atleast 100 feet)
5. Don’t ever put the birds/nest/eggs/chic at risk for a photograph.
6. It’s fine to share this with friends and family so that they start appreciating nature’s beauty more.

 

The below were taken with 700mm lens from a distance of 15 to 20 feet.

 

These paradise fly catchers were building their nest as a team. There were no eggs/chics there in the nest. Not sure whether both of birds were female because males tend to have a long white tail.

 

The same in Slow Motion: