Finding and photographing the endangered Piping Plover!
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
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Join me as I teach you my best pro tips and tricks on how to photograph shorebirds. We'll do this on location in Eastern Canada while we explore the beach for shorebirds and I'll show you how to take not only more artistic photos, but how to take them ethically. In this video, I want to highlight the incredible work of Birds Canada volunteers in protecting nesting birds, as well as show photographers how to improve their practices and demonstrate how to photograph birds with the least amount of impact possible, keeping the interests of the birds first. For example, all videography and photography in this video was shot at 700mm focal length and usually cropped, so I'm not as close as I appear.
If you want to become a volunteer in monitoring nest sites for Piping Plovers, visit:
www.birdscanada.org/bird-scie...
and click the "Sign up Form" button at the bottom of the page.
Also, check out their Facebook page!
/ ploverconservation
The equipment I use: www.simondentremont.com/my-eq...
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
Instagram / simon.dentremont
Website Simondentremont.com
Which one of these tips are you the most interested in trying? Let me know!
I think getting down low. Need to remember to wear the right clothes though, haha.
Getting down low and learning how to get back up!
Getting down low and waiting. Thanks. Merci
Getting further up beach and letting them come to you, of course observing their behavior first
Your dedication and joy for these birds was very evident in this video and contagious. Thank you for the care and content.
Thank you for the care and consideration you show the wildlife you encounter! This is SO important and I am happy to see you promoting ethical wildlife photography 💜
Welcome!
Loved it! PIPLs are so cute. I can't echo your tips enough. Pets on a leash is so important! It reminds me as well when I was over on the east coast.
Thrilled to see the Piping plover chicks! I just found your chann el and have been binge watching. Learning so much!
Welcome aboard!
Excellent tutorial, very insightful, thank you.
I enjoyed getting to work for a summer with Piping Plovers in Saskatchewan before I started photography and I got to re-visit them last year!
Very cool!
Thank you for prioritizing conservation! There are loads of bird photography tutorials online, but few even mention ethics. You’ve gained another subscriber.
Awesome, thank you!
Brilliant Brilliant I enjoyed your day out.
Glad you enjoyed it
Simon: I absolutely love this video. I am fully aware of the status of the Piping Plover. So good to hear you discuss the ethics of shorebird photography and of viewing the Piping Plover in particular.
This was beautiful Simon. Incredible amount of work you’ve put into creating these videos but the conservation aspect is so important and appreciated
another great video!!!!! Simon thanks so much.
Whispering: "I just saw some chicks" - Me going to the cluc first time in my life.
Joking aside, excellent tips and beautiful results!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed that video. Lots of valuable tips there. I try to match eye level with my subject whether it's a person, animal, or bird.
Outstanding video! Loved your comment “took my own advice” (what I’ve been saying is true). The pictures and videos are amazing. Thank you for the video.
Thanks Robert!
Love these vlogs! Great stuff Simon!
Glad you like them!
Thank you the great advice and sharing a wonderful experience
Glad you enjoyed it!
another great one Simon, love shorebirds lots of them here in Ontario . only go down on one knee theses days bad shoulders but the results are great.
Thanks Joe!
Please make more of such videos
What an incredible video. Well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the shorebird! I carry a small folding stool on my backpack to get low. I found on Amazon. Telescoping round Stool Lightweight
Thanks very much!
Thanks Simon, I really enjoyed this!
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video, Simon. I loved every minute of it. Thank you for all you do for birds.
You are very welcome
Chick's were on the road
Had to wait 45 minutes just to pass
Wtf
A few miles from my home at a Nat Rec Area they shut off huge sections of the park for the nesting birds for about 3 months & will extend it longer if need be. No one is granted access except the people who monitor & survey. = Park rangers. Nice footage of the chicks with mom.
nice they’re taken care of.
I absolutely loved this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome! Thank you Simon.
My pleasure!
Fantastic video and photos!
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome video, and superb abvises 👌
Best regards Conny
Glad you enjoyed it
That was really really cool to see a clip of the baby going under the plumage of the parent
I was so happy to capture that.
The Piping Plover is one of my favourite birds. I live in Australia and have never seen them personally. I am very passionate about ethical birding and always think of the birds needs over getting a photo of them. Thank you for your invaluable tips.
Thanks!
That was awesome! Those little puffballs have legs that make them look especially cute and they scoot right along with them! 😊❤❤
You are so kind
2 words GROUND POD. Ok maybe more than 2. I know it may sound a bit silly but the best piece of advice in the video. Be patient let the birds come to you. This absolutely works for shorebirds and in fact most animals. Great work once again and can't wait for the next one.
You’re right Dennis. And thanks!
Just found your channel by way of Gavin Hardcastle. Great vlog on this one. Can't wait to see more.
Welcome aboard!
@@simon_dentremont May I ask a quick question? I have a Sony A7riii with a 100-400. I sometimes finding myself wishing for more reach. What are your thoughts on teleconverters 1.4 and 2x? Worth the money for bird photos on my gear?
@@mikeday8470 teleconverters are often not worth it on zoom lenses, and are best left to fast primes. While it may work in certain conditions, slower autofocus, smaller field of view, image quality hit and loss of a stop or two of light usually outweigh the benefits.
Your tip about letting the birds come to you, was a good one.
Glad you enjoyed it
I was there Sunday morning. I got a few good shots of one family. I left my tripod in the trunk of my car and used my camera bag to steady my shots with my big lens. Bonus for me, on my way out I got some good photos of Redstarts, a Crossbill, and a Northern Parula in the trees. Great videos Simon. Very helpful for a beginner like me.
That is awesome!
Mind Blowing 😍
Thanks!
I am very happy to continue learning with your knowledge, thank you so much!! 👏👏
Welcome!
Simon, it's such a pleasure to see you so passionate when a bird gets close to you! Keep on doing great videos!
Thanks, will do!
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Love all your videos, Simon, and I find the quality getting much better. Keep them coming!
Glad you like them! Thanks Rowland!
What a beautiful little bird and the chicks must be the cutest I've ever seen - like a ball of fluff on legs. More excellent tips from you and superb images and footage, thank you for sharing this.
I think the most interested tips is let the bird come to you. Of course, the silent shutter is also helpful😊
However, the most important thing is that you do not disturb the birds.
thanks!
I completely agree with your ‘wow, wow, wow!’ comment! Brilliant day out shooting, great images and wise words of wisdom. Thanks Simon. Have subscribed and will look forward to seeing more of your adventures.
Greetings from Newfoundland. Great photography, useful tips and wonderful storytelling. Thank you very much.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks neighbour.
Beautiful moments. Thanks for sharing them with the newbies.
You bet!
Excellent video Simon, really loved seeing this "come photographing with me" style video.
A shame it seems like it doesn't attract as many views as the "tips/techniques" style video, but I appreciate those as well!
You’ve hit the nail on the head. I like them and people do too, but they get few views.
Love the passion you showed Simon! Great video indeed. Thank you for sharing some important guidelines for shooting shorebirds.
my pleasure!
Outstanding video and lessons on photographing birds in their natural habitat! O appreciate your explaining the importance of keeping the environment clean. My favorite part of this video was seeing the chick seek cover in the parents plumage! My goal to try is to combine patience, getting down low, and including interesting details such as the clam shell or waves. Magnifique, Simon! Merci!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for all the fabulous videos, Simon. I've been learning and re-learning a lot. A series of simple questions for you. Do you bring spare cloths for after laying in mud/sand etc? Do you ever bring mats to lie on? Next, I'm curious about whether you have tried using something with a tripod head attached for placing on sandy/mucky surfaces (frisbie/frying pan and the like)? Lastly, do you ever use a floating blind or floating base for the camera? You have probably tried lots of gadgets and ideas in your day, so any feedback on the above questions would help me decide to pursue or not. Thank you!
Such a wonderful experience! Great video!
Yes it was!
Amazing video and so interesting to see the birds tap a foot on the sand! I've never seen them do that before. And how lucky were you to spot the chicks on the shore! Your tips are invaluable and I like how you continuously point out to keep a good distance from wildlife when doing photography. I've seen a huge gathering of people just feet away from an owl in a park in Moncton. Needless to say they scared it away. You're doing great job with the videos by the way. Cheers!
Thank you very much Claire!
Respect, that was awesome. Such a beautiful, interesting bird captured with great photography and video. Some real useful tips, 'waiting for them to come to you' was may favourite. Thank you Simon.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your pictures are amazing, at the point it make me cry sometime. I love what you do, I love how you are respectful for the nature. I learn a lot from you, you are now my best model as a perfect photographer!
Thanks you so much to shared us your wonderful work. 🙏🏼🕉
Thank you so much 😀
Great shots and tips Simon! Another winner of a video!
Thanks 👍
Very beautiful video and great tips. Thank you!!
You are so welcome!
I can really relate to the trhill of your experience, it was pretty well expressed. Thanks for all the comments you add about the ethics of bird photography. It's really not mention often enough.
My pleasure!
Wow and I am heading the to beach next week…..how convenient. Thanks for the tips
Glad it was helpful!
Beautiful birds. Chicago had a pair come through which was a rare sight. Always great content!
Yes they are!
Backlighting was something I used to think was a negative and I’m so happy to find out more about how it can be used to make great photos
Great video brother. We get those plovers here along the Great Lakes. It's fabulous to see them making a comeback and folks respecting and coming together to assist their population. Those chicks are so cute. Happy shooting Simon.
Thanks Kevin!
As always your videos are a joy to watch! The quality is absolutely #1. I enjoy the tips and watching your excitement as well. I feel that the music, video and photo quality is in my opinion that of National Geographic standards, well done and hopefully you will continue to share your videos and thoughts.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Hi Simon, I just found your channel a week ago and have found your videos so informative. I've only tried bird photography once, about a month ago, and it was a disaster, lol. I'm looking forward to using your tips and setting suggestions to try and get photos even half as great as yours. Thanks and keep the videos coming!
Thanks Tak! Very kind.
Another great video. Already subscribed. Your approach to wildlife photography is admirable and your videos are both informative and inspirational. Very glad I found your channel.
Welcome!
Fantastic
Thank you! Cheers!
A tip I picked up from another youtuber for gound level shots is to use a ground pod or skimmer to mount your head and camera on. I made one from a ten inch aluminum frying pan. Excellent video!
Good tip! it’s in my list to get one.
Saw you on Gavin's Phototripper (Fototripper?) channel and thought I'd check your channel out - glad I did. Good tips, great vid. You've got a new subscriber.
Awesome, thank you! Had a blast with him.
Merci pour vos conseils et votre engagement pour la nature .
De rien!
Your giving away all your secrets😉 Thanks for another great video. You must have a full production team working with you. These videos are so good! Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Hopefully I will catch at the guzzle some time this summer.
I wish! One man-show! See you soon I hope.
Some tripods like the Manfrotto with an reversible center column allows me to position the camera .005" from the surface of the ground.
Yes mine does too. I found the process a bit slow though.
Good job,It seems to me you could use a skimmer pod with a gimble, a hell of a lot easier than a tripod.
Yes, much better for photography, but for video I sometimes need the extra height.
So nice 👌
Thank you! Cheers!
I thought about a UA-cam channel a while ago but backed away for the time being. you're making it look easy, though I know it's not as easy as I looks. congratulations on doing such a great job at it 😊
Thanks very much! Editing video is a while new experience for me. Photography is easy by comparison!
I've only scratched the surface of video. Agreed photography is more my niche also
Hi Simon. Only recently came across your channel. Really enjoying the content. Keep them coming. Brian
Thanks, will do Brian! you’ve only come across it recently cause it’s new!
Well good for you. Best of luck with it.
great video
Thanks for the visit!
Great video again Simon. I love the tips (technical and fieldcraft) and watched closely a you folded the leg on your tripod so that you can carry it on your shoulder. I learnt something there too. And BTW what is that pad you have the tripod? I'm assuming its something top save the camera or tripod rubbing into your shoulder.
Great photos at the end, so inspiring.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it’s a foam pad to give some relief to my shoulder.
I know in later videos you say that the "follow Simon" videos are less successful - I wonder if thats because viewers are not yet caught up with your back catalogue .. I'm just doing that now, and love your "searching for" pieces. Your success in caputuring your subject rests not just on your photography skills, but your interest and knowledge of the birds themselves.
I like that you promote ethical photography too.. Keep up the good work.
BTW: which tripod(s) do you suggest that doesn't have a centre column, but is able to cope with heavy duty 500mm lenses and the weather and conditions to which wildlife photography exposes them to please?
thanks! I’m using an FLM tripod…you can find a link in the video description
Hi Simon, I love your tutorials, they are perfect! There is something that interests me, and that is: how important is a camouflage suit, does it really help when photographing animals?
For ducks and birds of prey it helps, but otherwise colours of nature are enough…browns, greens and beiges.
Really enjoyed the video. I completely support your emphasis on the ethics of birding and photographing birds. The birds always come first, not the photograph.
Would you consider a making a video about video techniques involved? Settings, problems and issues? I've been a photographer for a very long time, but my cameras are tempting me to consider also making video, but I am finding it to be very different.
Thanks, a great job.
I’m finding it different too! I’m just learning video myself in the last several months so I’m not the authority on it. Maybe when I think I have knowledge to share I’ll make a video on it!
Buen vídeo y buenos consejos Simon. Las aves playeras son mis preferidas y donde me siento más a gusto fotografiando. Son muchos los años que llevo trabajando con ellas y la verdad es que tengo un montón de anécdotas gratificantes con ellas. Si me lo permites voy ampliar la lista de consejos para trabajar con ellas. Aquí en el norte de España, concretamente en Asturias, solemos trabajar rectando entre piedras, arena y charcos. Solemos usar un traje de neopreno de 3mm ligero, unas coderas para resguardar los codos y en ocasiones en suelos arenosos una sartén donde acoplamos una rótula y así desplazamos el equipo sin esfuerzo ninguno. Por supuesto que al trabajar en estos escenarios es aconsejable proteger el equipo con fundas impermeables a poder ser y al final de la sesión limpiar cualquier resto de arena o humedad. Y lo más importante de todo paciencia y mucho respeto, hay que saber en todo momento cuando las aves se encuentran molestas con nuestra presencia y cuando están colaborando, eso se consigue con los años de experiencia y saber hacer. Un saludo y a seguir disfrutando.
All great points! Thanks for sharing!
Great video getting into the shore bird photography more and more, plenty in the west coast of Ireland.
The camo jacket you have is there a name for the colour design ? its very nice
I forget!
Hey Simon! I’m new to your channel. Can’t tell you how much I enjoy your content! You’re a great teacher both of photography and bird behavior. I love your message of putting the wildlife first. I see so many people interfere or stress animals trying to get a photo. Honestly makes me mad! Social media has exasperated the desire to get a photo at all costs and be “first”. Thanks for talking about respect for your subjects! Looking forward to more of your videos!
Welcome aboard!
Great video, with great results Simon!
I just wonder: does the R5 have a "zebra" brightnes alert like Sony have, and only I didn't know? 😮
As shown at 3:08
I have been showing my wife your videos also. We have enjoyed every one we’ve watched. She was able to get some photos of the Piping Plover on Butler Beach in Saint Augustine Florida believe it or not. I do have another question for you. Does using the camouflage help a great deal? I’ve been looking into the kit for my Sigma 150-600 but they receive mixed reviews. As always, thanks for all the help!
On my lens? I use it mostly to prevent damaging the paint on my lens. My lens is white underneath, so the camo probably helps too.
Very similar to the Hooded Plover in Australia. The birds look reasonably similar, the Hooded Plover has more black on its head. Volunteers will rope of breeding sites and signage will be erected. Sadly some dog owners get quite belligerent about having to put their precious pup on a lead. We are lucky here , that I have seen and photographed Hooded Plovers on several beaches around our area.
Excellent!
Super video Simon! So cute! Do they only band the birds as adults? I wish I could get down lower but I carry a small kneeling pad that helps. The getting up is sometimes the hardest!
i think they band them as chicks. I hear y’a about getting up!
Simon, another great video. I've been binge watching a lot of them the last few days. Do you think a 300 F4 on a crop camera would be close to your big 500mm. Or would 300mm be to short still?
It would be coming close, but not quite, especially on blowing out the background (ie blurry) which is a nice effect. While not great for close portraits, it’s a great combination for wider environmental shots.
Great content! Good tips, and thank you for raising awareness about conservation efforts.
If I may, please watch your audio levels. The music is much, much louder than your voice. Thank you!
Thanks for the tips!
Beautiful video Simon - also thankful for the highlights on responsible and ethical birding. Out of curiosity - I saw a plover in your vid with tags on its legs. I'm guessing that's for census or tracking purposes since the species is endangered? Since you saw that bird would you report the sighting - are there opportunities for 'citizen science' with endangered species?
Yes, they’re tracked due to the sensitive nature. I often report my sightings to authorities so they can add to the body of knowledge.
Lovely photography, mate. Awesome images and informative video. Question: Do you use a teleconverter? I find my images are not as big and bold as yours even though I use a Sigma 150 - 600mm zoom lens. What am I not doing?
Thanks! Often I do. My big 500 f4 prime lens is just so sharp that I can easily cop in and still have a super sharp image. that’s one reason they’re so expensive.
@@simon_dentremont Thanks for the genuine reply. I am predominantly a landscape photographer but wild life appeals to me as well. I have been toying with the idea of getting a teleconverter but am not keen to lose any of my sharpness. As a Sigma shooter, I have so far found that the TC14-01 should be compatible. However, I need some convincing to make the purchase. I will look further at your videos and images and make an assessment as to whether or not to make the purchase. Thanks again, Simon. Merci Beaucoup.
@@Relax-pg6nz de rien!
Hi Simon, loved this video and looking forwards to finding some this Autumn/Winter in the UK. Any tips on how long (miles) you carry your tripod and camera set up in the field, and any ways you found to make it more comfortable? Thanks, I like to roam but struggle with the inconvenience of the tripod and long lens
I only use my tripod for video, and don’t like going more than 3 or 4 miles with it. As you point out, it’s tough. I have a foam pad to rest it on my shoulder. When not shooting video, I shoot handheld and carry it using a shoulder strap, and have gone 8 miles with it.
@@simon_dentremont really interesting, thanks. So for all small song birds you shoot hand held? You don't find compared to shots on the tripod that you get any loss of IQ, or less keepers due to inherent shake and movement from the long focal length?
@@Karkawry1970 I do, and I've developed techniques to get sharp pics consistently. I have a whole video on shaper bird pics which you can find on my channel.
@@simon_dentremont Thank you, I have watched and enjoyed all your video's, I will revisit that one with renewed interest! Do you cover all these techniques there, or are there some you've not shared?
Karkawry1970 most!
Thanks for the tips! I am headed to the beach at the end of next month. I'm sure that I wasn't supposed to notice, but was the spot on your lens or your sensor? Just wondering...
sensor. it’s gone now!
@@simon_dentremont LOL!!! I have had that before also. I have a kit to clean it myself.
good luck I stocked 3 in 2 and nothing to show for it !!!! north Rustico
stocked 3 in 2?
3 nest 2 years fucking dog walkers
I bought a used Nikon D750, but cannot effort the pricy tele lenses. Is the any lens for low light that is not overpriced?
For wildlife? An older 300mm f4 might work. The new 300 pf and 500 pf are awesome.
@@simon_dentremont Many Thanks!
Here and sub’d cause of Gavin…if I don’t hear any fart jokes, I’m out
lol!
Excellent video!!! Can you perhaps confirm that you didn't fly your drone anywhere near shorebird nesting areas? They would interpret the drone as a predator and from my experience, the birds freak out over them. That is why drones are banned in many parks with these birds.
Yes, I made sure not to go near nesting areas.
visit philippines sir
That the birds are nesting indicate that there are no red foxes or badgers about. The question is whether this is natural or if they are being hunted. Farmer might hunt foxes or badger if they threatens their livestock.E.g. lambs.
Just putting up a fence around a nest might indicate that food is served to predators. Many predators are curious and might investigate new stuff that suddenly pops up in their territory.
I saw that at least one bird was ringed. The question is then how much extra weight does the bird have to fly around with? A bird in Norway might carry a ring that weighs 2.5% of its body weight to Africa. That is quite a lot.
We do have foxes but not badgers. The nests themselves aren't fenced, just marked with small lines. As for tags, they’re plastic and their use in studying bird migrations is well studied and understood. These practices, perhaps while nor perfect, are better than no interventions. Thanks for your concern though!
@@simon_dentremont I tend to think about isotope analysis in order to determine where the plumage grew. I suspect that it will give better results than ringing. The number of birds caught again with rings is very low. I always fear that ringing might impact their chance of survival since margins might be uncomfortable small.
I have also been thinking about microdots with sensors buried in the beach to keep weight down. Or just a small dash of paint where it can be seen at a distance.
1) are you shooting video and photos on the same camera? (R5 or R6 I think)
2) what video editing are you using ? I use Lightworks ..
3) # 1 video clip man , your next step will be IMAX lol … I know you can do-it ……
I use both. Mostly R5 on wildlife, R6 for b-roll. I use Davinci Resolve. Thanks very much!
40 nests on my beach
Not allowed to go ,it's closed to the 40 nests.
????wtf
All summer, these birds own our beach
Loving your videos, Simon! You've helped me tremendously. It would be awesome if you could add time stamps to your videos! They're very useful for me when I want to rewind to a specific topic mentioned earlier in the video. Cheers! -@elliott_birds
Great idea! I’ll look into that.