For the next couple of weeks here in Michigan, warbler migration will be in full force. Photographing warblers is easily one of the biggest challenges in bird photography. I like to say that shooting warblers is like trying to photograph a hyperactive two-year-old with wings after they’ve just washed down a giant bowl of Froot Loops with two Red Bulls. It’s funny because it’s true. They never stop moving.
Warblers are tiny, restless, and fond of hanging out in the thickest parts of the woods, where the light is dim, patchy, and constantly changing. Everything about them — their size, speed, habitat, and behaviour — makes them a test of both skill and patience. But once you see one of these little jewels through your lens, flashing with colour and energy, you’ll understand why so many photographers fall in love with the challenge.
I like to photograph warblers in migrant traps. A migrant trap is a spot where birds accumulate while waiting for favourable conditions to cross a major obstacle — usually a large body of water — or a place where they first make landfall after a long crossing and rest before continuing north. Wherever you live, there’s likely a migrant trap within driving distance. Near my home in Michigan, the big ones are Point Pelee, Magee Marsh, Tawas State Park, and Whitefish Point — all fantastic places to watch migration at its best.
To photograph warblers, you need patience and perseverance. I typically get my lens on a bird and track it as it bounces from branch to branch, squeezing off a shot only when it lands in a good position. Autofocus is a huge help, as are quick reflexes. A warbler sitting still for more than two seconds is a rare event. I also use fill flash to balance the tricky woodland light and bring out the colours in their plumage — usually dialed down to around –1⅓ stops.
If you’ve never tried photographing warblers, give it a shot. It’s the most maddeningly frustrating thing you’ll ever love, and once you get your first keeper, you’ll be hooked for life.
Good Luck and Good Light!
Steve
Image: Yellow Warbler & Apple Blossoms