In Mastering Bird Photography: The Art, Craft, and Technique of Photographing Birds and Their Behavior, acclaimed bird photographer and author Marie Read shares techniques and stories behind her compelling images, offering fresh insights into making successful bird photographs, whether you’re out in the field or in the comfort of your own backyard.

In this richly illustrated book, you’ll learn how to be in the right place at the right time and how to obtain tack sharp portraits. Marie then teaches you to take your skills to the next level in order to capture action shots, illustrate birds in their habitats, and portray birds in evocative and artistic ways.

Building on basic technical topics such as camera choice, lens choice, and camera settings, Marie reveals how fieldcraft, compositional decisions, and knowledge of bird behavior contribute greatly to a successful bird photograph. Captions for the over 400 images contained in the book provide details on the equipment used, as well as camera settings. Throughout the book, bird behavior insights provide bird photographers of all skill levels a wealth of essential insider information that will help you produce images that stand out from the crowd.

Topics include:

• Equipment and accessories
• Focus, exposure, and light
• Composition and creativity
• Bird photography ethics
• Capturing bird behavior
• Storytelling images
• Action and in-flight shots
• Backyard photo studio
• Weather, water, and mood
• Top bird photo sites in North America
• Basic image editing
• And much more!

Foreword by Tim Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Living Bird magazine.

Provide your backyard birds a lasting bath with exciting color and texture using this Achla Hammered Copper Metal Bird Bath and Stake. The bright color, dramatic texture, and classic stand make this bath a welcome addition to your garden in moments, and will offer plenty of water to your feathered friends. The traditional shape of the basin enhances the classic motif, and a 0.75" wide rim around the unit provides birds perching spots. The bowl slopes to a 2.5" depth, perfect for smaller birds to bathe, and a bevy of circular divots from the hammered finish allows birds to grip the base. The bright copper plated bowl adds vivid color and sheen to your garden, and the threaded port on its base attaches to the included stake in moments. This 35.25" tall, two-piece stake easily supports the bath, and its wrought iron construction remains durable. The 5" long, step-in base makes it easy to install in your garden, and the basin may be unscrewed from the threaded top for cleaning. Add a timeless birding accent to your landscaping with this Hammered Copper Metal Bird Bath and Stake. Some assembly required.

Add an elegant bird haven to a corner of your landscaping with this Achla Polished Copper Metal Bird Bath and Stake. Adding a standing bath to your yard invites birds to frequent the area, and ensures they remain hydrated and healthy. The hammered, textured body, bright copper color, and gentle slope of this bath add wonderful style to your backyard, while the included stake keeps it at a fantastic height for birds. The 14" diameter, stainless steel bowl offers plenty of bathing spots, and its rolled rim provides perching area. This bowl slopes gently downward to a 2" depth, keeping it friendly for small birds, and hammered divots in concentric rings ensure birds can grip the base. The shining, copper plating captures attention easily, while the included stand makes a straightforward display. A threaded port at the base of the bath attaches to this 35.25" tall, wrought iron stake, and its dark bronze color blends with landscaping easily. A 5" long, step-in base helps the stake remain stable in your garden, and the basin removes from this stand for cleaning. The steel and wrought iron construction of this package forms a hardy birding spot, certain to withstand use for many seasons, while the copper plating adds a classic hint. Invite birds to visit your garden by adding this Polished Copper Metal Bird Bath and Stake to it. Some assembly required.

Brighten your bird garden by placing this Nature's Way Red Modern Saucer Hummingbird Feeder in it. The bold red tone of this blown glass vessel captures the attention of all visitors to your yard, while creating a welcome dining spot for a few hummingbirds. A generous, disc shaped top lifts off the unit for easy cleaning and refilling, and a silicone gasket prevents leaks. The vessel holds 16 ounces of nectar, and three aluminum flowers enable a few birds to dine simultaneously. A mottled gray, metal frame cradles the glass reservoir, and leaf-shaped perches align with the ports for birds to sit and dine. An included chain makes it easy to hang this assembly, and the glass and metal construction adds understated elegance to your yard. The red tones create a jeweled effect, and the large capacity keeps several birds well-fed. Accent your bird garden easily with this Red Modern Saucer Hummingbird Feeder. Lifetime warranty.

Birds that use this feeder:

• hummingbirds