My first attempt at photographing birds in flight... it did not go Great! Red Kites at Gigrin Farm

So, this was my first attempt at photographing birds using my Sigma 150-600 DN DG lens for my Sony Alpha / A7rIV.... and while it could have gone worse, it could have gone a lot better.
My only previous experience of any form of wildlife photography was photographing the local squirrels which you can see from previous videos, but this is an avenue that I want to explore more on this channel for sure!
#wildlifephotography #birdphotography #wildlifephoto #naturephotography #naturephoto #wildlifephotographer #naturephotographer

[@nikon_z9_images]

Struggling with BIF? Try the Nikon DF-M1 Dot Sight (for COOLPIX P1000) but it mounts to any camera’s hot shoe mount.

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Try going 300~400 mm in the beginning!!Gulls make a perfect target for practice.

[@mikestebbingsphotography]

Thanks for the tip! I've not long been back from Bempton Cliffs (with it being nice and quiet for the birds) which seems to have had better results!

[@Terrytheartist]

Tbh I think you’ve been a bit hard on yourself, with so many birds around in one area you’ve not picked the easiest of locations to start bif photography? picking out birds on the outskirts of the main pack would have helped you a bit more and tracking it made easier, with so many birds in the frame at any one time is very distracting, the point you made about getting the bird in frame is correct, by looking and concentrating on the subject then lifting the camera up to the eyes is how I always do it. good luck with your further ventures into bird photography, it’s a great hobby! 👍

[@mikestebbingsphotography]

Thanks for the compliment. It really was tough. Part of the issue was I didn't realise there would be THAT many kites there. I expected busy but it was manic! I've not long got back from Bempton cliffs which were nice and quiet and just allowed me to focus on shooting the Gannets that were there and hopefully the results will be much improved!