Hummingbird Photography (1 Viewer)

My wife and I plan to travel to Panama to photograph birds. There will be hummingbirds that we'd like to photograph if we can.

We will be using Nikon D200's, with either a Sigma 50-500 mm zoom or a Sigma 300-800 mm super zoom. We'll also have Nikkor 80-400 mm VR lenses, light but rigid Gitzo carbon fiber or basalt tripods with Markins ball heads, and Nikon SB-800 electronic flash units with better beamer boosters.

It seems that superb hummingbird photography requires a studio setup with multiple strobe units. But our question is, what is the best way to get good hummingbird photos with the equipment we have? Can you refer us to a book or web site for good advice?

Hola Norman,

With approx. 60 different species of hummingbirds Panama will indeed keep you extremely busy.

I am not a photographer but when trying to photograph hummingbirds, it is best to visit a lodge or site with hummingbird feeders, where the birds will stay close-by. Once you determine the favourite natural perch a bird has, it should be easy to set up your tripod/camera to get a good shot. Some lodges have the birds so used to people that sometimes they allow you to stay very close to them.
I would recommend staying or visiting Canopy Tower, Canopy Lodge, and Los Quetzales.

Enjoy Panama !

Warm regards,
Guido

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Guido C. Berguido
Biologist - Operations Manager
Advantage Tours Panama
"Adventures in nature with the local Advantage"

P.O. Box 0801-00051
Republic of Panama
Tel. 011-507-6676-2466
fax: 011-507-221-9246
e.mail: [email protected]
web: www.advantagepanama.com
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Norman,

Another great place for hummers in the Panamanian highlands is Cielito Sur (www.cielitosur.com). Besides feeders, this B&B has nice grounds that provide more natural looking perches. See my gallery for some examples of what you can expect (all pictures taken with a cheap 300mm lens and built-in flash, you should do a lot better). The birds there are very used to people. Depending on when you go, you may even be able to see several nests up close. Last time I went (March 2005), there was a Green Violet-ear nest in the flower pot hanging in front of my room door, and another one next to the jacuzzi. If you decide to go there, please say hi to Janet and Glenn for me. Warning: Janet's breakfasts are delicious!

I agree with Guido regarding the Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge: These are probably the best places for photographing the hummingbirds of Central Panama. They also have excellent guides.

Cedric