Why Birders Struggle with Bird Photography

This an opinion piece that looks at the different mindsets between birders and bird photographers. There is no judgment on the merits of each type of hobbyist, simply the differences in approach and outcomes of each.
I'm delighted to feature a few birders/photographers that I admire, as well as researchers and field biologists in this video.
Featured here are:
Melissa Hafting (Elite birder and photographer)
Alecia Smith (Conservationist and photographer)
Jerry Ligouri (Raptor expert, author, see more below)
Sean Graesser (Field biologist, researcher, photographer)
Cam Darnell (Birder and photographer)
Theodore Emery (Birder, photographer, brother in spirit)

For more information on Jerry's work see these titles:
And several articles and interviews about his work:

Bonus video from Jerry:

[scrptwic]

Scott I am a hiker who got into bird photography during COVID most of the trails were closed and I could maintain social distance walking a wide beach . So I got into photographing shore birds I did landscapes mainly and some wildlife as a hiker so as I hike through a area I photograph any birds and wildlife I am always on the move and rarely stay in one area

[cwebb]

You mentioned all the battles I fight on a daily basis. Birds first, camera second. Gonna lose out on birds to get great shots and gonna lose out on great shots to get the birds. You nailed it

[DevaLight]

Thank you. I have been a birder for over 50 years and took up bird photography about 6 years ago. I soon realized I knew absolutely nothing about what makes a good bird photograph. It was really quite a shock at the time. I still love a new species I have never seen but I know its not the most important for bird photography. I do still move around a lot though. Having a fine art school background (Bachelor of Fine Arts) though, I did understand the importance of composition and post processing.

[junebug]

I am finding your videos very thought-provoking, so thanks!

[robhemsley]

This video strikes a chord with me . I am first and foremost a birder that has started taking photos . However I’m an amateur watercolour artist and I’ve found that taking my camera out in birding trips changes my behaviour away from what I would normally do birding . I’ve started looking for light and colours - taking positions where I can use light - this can prevent you finding birds as like many things in life it requires compromising

[cammyfreed]

I am a mix of both. I make a decision on that day if it’s a “get the shot” day or a “let’s get photos to put on eBird” day. When I do the Christmas bird count it’s just “get the shot so we can log it with a photo”. But when I have a weekend out in the woods of the Appalachian mountains it’s “find that spot and get the shot” I can relate to both sides, but I do have to make that choice for what I am after that day. I also don’t get hung up on chasing or finding rare birds. If it crosses my path great but if not that lil chickadee is still adorable.

[dougbottrell]

Thought provoking video, with a lot to reflect on. Spot on with your comparison of a 'Birder' and 'Photographer'. 👏👏👏Doug B. Nottingham (UK)

[christophercorr]

Hey Scott, great video. I'm newer to the channel so I am watching some older videos of yours. This video really hit home for me. When I began bird photography, about 1 1/2 years ago, my primary focus was to try and take photos and not focusing on "birding". As I got more into it, I feel I have changed my approach and focused more on the birding aspect, finding more species, and photographing when I can. I feel with this change in mindset, my photos have become better, and I have been able to view more species. I think in the beginning my interest was more so on just photographing something new, and that grew into a love of birding.

[stebobrown]

Great presentation! I've been a photographer for over 40 years and just dived deep into bird photography. I go to some local wetland and talk with other photographers and birders. A lot of of birders have been very helpful when they ask "anything interesting today?" My responses have been "Some big white ones and duck like birds". Some laugh and most willing to help when I show images from the camera. You hit right when distinguishing between photographers and birders. I want the image, they want the species. Thanks for wonderful video!!!!

[WildlifeInspired]

Thanks for watching.... I actually recorded this a while ago, so hoping my audio sync issues are now resolved and only 2 typos.... so that's an improvement. One day I will post a clean video with no errors. One day, not today.

[dimitrisskyhunter]

Best video I ’ve watched this weekend. Some amazing images and an important reminder not to chase the photo. Bird photography is a way to communicate that we care for the birds and their habitats.

[ishirafernando]

Dope video Scott! It's awesome to see some really cool birders leveraging their expertise to deliver absolutely jaw-dropping images.

[chrisjohn]

So true. I've always found that to be the case too. At least with the ones I know they're more concerned with documenting their encounter.

[kcballantyne]

All great points, Scott. I definitely feel the conflict of setting up in one spot and potentially missing out on some species. Thank you!

[kevincarolan]

Thank you very informative Birder stroke photographer.

[technor]

Great video and insight - couldn't agree more with you. I am somewhere in the middle of the scale between a bird photographer and a birder. I do some of things of a birder like go after birds, interest in species, explore areas / newer habitats, look for behaviours etc. But then I visit the same places often and in the 2/3/4 trips usually spend lot more time photographing birds. I guess we are seeing more and more people fall into this category - as I realize, birding gets increasingly harder as we go deep - like being able to recognize calls, behaviours and patterns. Anyways, I am delighted at this 18 month old hobby of mine and think I have found my permanent favorite pastime.

[CarolineOrdHume]

Really interesting video Scott. Quite a lot of thoughts and ideas I hadn't considered, which may make me chuckle when I see the birders dashing around. The images are absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing

[andhib]

Interesting perspectives. Useful info. Thanks.

[foundlightprints]

Scott - nice video. The images near the end are fantastic!

[Pacificnorthwestkate]

Great video - and very interesting Scott - I consider myself a videographer first - birder second 😄 I consider the background and light and scenic attributes first before the birds or wildlife - (and I’m a forensic birder at that - meaning I often only find out what I’ve videoed after I get home and studied my footage - and I usually have to ask Melissa Hafting for ID!!) but a great thought provoking show - well done!! 😊👍❤️