3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn’t Let You Down

With December now here and winter less than three weeks away, cold weather in our area is inevitable. Layering up and getting outdoors to photograph birds and wildlife is a great way to stay active during the winter months and sure makes the arrival of spring seem a lot sooner. One question I am asked all the time is how to make sure a camera battery doesn’t fail in cold weather. Ensuring your battery has plenty of power when a shot presents itself is easy by following these simple steps.

IMG 2750 Edit - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **Northern Cardinal**

1. Charge Your Battery The Night Before

If you are heading out with your camera anytime but especially in cold weather charge your battery the night before. A fully charged battery has more power and will hold its charge much longer than a partially charged one will. If you think because you haven’t used your camera in months the battery will still be fully charged this is not the case. Batteries lose their charge sitting and just because you turn your camera on and the battery indicator reads fully charged doesn’t mean it will last long. As you use the camera the indicator will quickly drop to 75% then 50% then 25% then the camera shuts off. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen this happen at workshops I’ve conducted despite reminding participants to charge their batteries the night before. Every time I hear the same response “but I haven’t used my camera in months”.

IMG 7007 2 - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — Seeing a Nashville Warbler in London on December 2 is pretty rare. This bird should be in Mexico or Central America by now. Fortunately, with a fully charged battery, I was able to capture this image to submit with my checklist to eBird confirming my sighting.

Sometimes I get questioned about this practice as people are concerned about battery memory. Battery memory is an effect that causes some batteries such as nickel-based batteries to hold less power when repeatedly recharged if not fully discharged first. Essentially, the battery remembers the lesser charge thus never reaching full capacity. Fortunately, lithium-ion batteries used in DSLR cameras do not suffer from memory effect so no need to worry about this, charge your battery!

IMG 3305 Edit - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **We don’t always get to see the red belly for which the Red-bellied Woodpecker is named; however, this particular bird was happy to show his off.**

2. Limit The Use of Your LCD Screen

A camera’s LCD screen located on the back of the body requires significant power to operate. Therefore, the more the LCD screen is used the faster the battery will lose its charge. When photographing birds and wildlife I only use my LCD screen to briefly look at my histogram to check my exposure. I do this periodically as light conditions and scenes change and this is done quite quickly. Reviewing my images is something I do at home on my computer. Not only is this more accurate as images on the LCD often look great only to see they are out of focus once you get them up on the monitor it also conserves battery power.

IMG 7717 - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **This image of the back of my Canon DSLR shows where to find the auto power off feature in the menu. You can adjust this from 1 to 15 minutes. I have mine set to 1 minute.**

3. Set Your Camera To Auto Power Off Mode

This is an amazing feature that will considerably save battery power. In this mode, you can choose how long your camera stays on when not in use. For me, I set mine to one minute. What this means is when I’m walking around and don’t press any buttons on my camera it automatically powers off thus not draining the battery. As soon as I see a subject, raise my camera and press the shutter, the camera automatically powers up and captures the image. In fact, the camera will power up when any button is pressed without having to turn the main power switch off and on. This saves battery power and time. I’m a Canon shooter so this mode might be called something else for Nikon users and on my Pansonic camera, I believe it’s referred to as sleep mode. Consult your manual on how to activate this feature, you will be glad you did.

IMG 7576 Edit 3 - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — Having a battery that was ready for action allowed me to capture this image of a leucistic female cardinal. Leucism is a partial loss of pigmentation and resulted in the unusual white feathers on this bird’s head.

By following these three easy steps I’ve never had a battery let me down anytime even during the cold winter months. The memory cards I use are 32 GB and hold just over 1200 RAW images each and I have filled 2 cards in -20 to -30 Celsius temperatures and still had between 25% to 50% battery life when finished shooting. As a result, I do not own a spare battery for my Canon 7D.

IMG 3774 Edit - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **Red-tailed Hawk eating a Rock Pigeon.**

Earlier this year I started a vlog and am recording more videos with my camera. This requires considerable more battery power. Add in an external microphone that runs off of the camera’s battery and I found myself needing spare batteries for my Canon Rebel T3i which I use to record my vlog. Not wanting to pay $84.99 for an authentic Canon battery I decided to shop around and found this 2 pack of Powerextra batteries complete with a USB charger for a fraction of the price.

IMG 6872 - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **American Tree Sparrows are only present in Southwestern Ontario during the winter months. To photograph these birds having a battery that is ready for the cold weather is a must.**

I haven’t done a side-by-side comparison to see exactly how long these aftermarket batteries hold their charge compared to the factory Canon battery, but I can tell you I don’t notice a difference. I used these batteries extensively this year to capture footage for my vlog and record numerous takes of me fumbling my way through a sentence as I try to get my point across and have been very impressed with their performance. If you use your LCD a lot for landscape images or recording video thus using more battery power or find yourself needing to replace your factory battery I highly recommend checking these batteries out. Powerextra offers a wide range of batteries for most cameras so be sure to find the battery that is compatible with your make and model.

IMG 3257 Edit 3 - 3 Easy Steps To Ensure Your Camera Battery Doesn't Let You Down — **Woodpeckers like this Northern Flicker are among my favourite birds to photograph. I never let a dead battery be the reason for missing a shot.**

Under normal operating conditions, a fully charged battery that is not nearing the end of its life shouldn’t let you down. If you have had issues with your battery maintaining its charge especially during the winter months try following these simple steps and don’t let a dead battery be the reason for missing the shot of a lifetime.

Good birding,
Paul

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Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography?

I recently published a blog post titled Photographing Birds: Tips and Tricks, where I shared information about getting the most out of your camera and lens by finding its “sweet spot” and shooting within its limitations. The images I used in that post were all shot with my Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, a lens that retails in Canada for $1499.00. Like almost everyone else, I started out with a much less expensive kit lens. Realizing that many people are shooting with kit lenses I wanted to demonstrate that acceptable images are achievable with equipment that costs much less. For this post, I decided to dig out my old kit lens, a Canon EFS55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II. I have not shot with this lens since December of 2012, but wanted to illustrate the kind of results that can be achieved with a lens that retails for $229.00, and is included with many Canon DSLRs at the time of purchase.

IMG 9214 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Taking the time to understand your camera’s functions and perfecting your skill is more advantageous than spending thousands of dollars on a new lens. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed using a Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Kit lens.

Although equipment plays an important role in photography, technique and knowing how to use that equipment are even more important. Image quality has a lot more to do with the person behind the camera and lens than many people may realize. The main things you can do to improve your image quality are: take the time to learn and fully understand your camera functions, be able to quickly adjust your settings to changing conditions, and utilize techniques to steady your lens. Even if your budget allows for a $10,000 lens (for example, a 500mm f4), don’t expect to achieve instant results. The fact of the matter is, if you don’t hold the lens steady or properly expose your images, expensive equipment isn’t going to do you much good.

IMG 8979 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — The added reach and increased auto focus speed are what I deem the two biggest advantages in a lens upgrade. This Black-capped Chickadee was photographed using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. Retail price $1499.00

IMG 9247 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Getting close to your subject will make up for lost reach. This Photo was taken using the Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens. Retail price $299.00

So if I can achieve results I am happy with using my kit lens, what do I get from a lens that costs five times as much? First of all, added reach. The extra 150mm comes in very handy because we all know how hard it is to get close to birds and wildlife without scaring them off. The build quality, including optics are better. Yes, better optics will give better results, but again, only if used properly. Most kit lenses are constructed mainly of plastic, where the Canon L series are mostly metal. For me this is not a huge issue as I am pretty careful with my equipment. For someone who travels a lot, the added durability of metal will help protect against light bumps. Drop either lens and I’m sure the fact that the kit lens is plastic will be the least of my worries. The Canon 100-400 is also partially weather sealed, providing increased protection against dust and moisture. This added build quality translates to added weight. My Canon 100-400mm weighs just over three pounds. A lens hood and case were also included with the Canon 100-400mm. The thing I like most about my Canon 100-400mm is the auto focus. Canon’s USM (ultrasonic motor) is incredibly fast and accurate. This to me, is worth every penny. Some bird species move incredibly fast and almost constantly, making focusing on them extremely difficult. Photographing birds in flight is also much easier with a lens that features a USM.

IMG 9120 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Black-capped Chickadee. Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II.

Achieving results with a kit lens is possible if you keep a few things in mind. As is the case with any lens in wildlife photography, get as close as possible. For some bird species, especially waterfowl, this can be difficult. Many birds in your backyard or at the local park are accustomed to human activity and can be approached closely. For other species this requires increased patience or hiding in a certain spot waiting for the bird to come into view. I find auto focus speed to be the biggest set back of a kit lens. In an area where there are leaves, branches and other obstructions, locking onto the target can sometimes take the lens longer then the subject is willing to wait. If this is the case, switch over to manual focus. By rotating the focus ring manually you will be able to track and lock onto flitting birds much faster. Be sure to hold your camera and lens as steady as possible. Even with image stabilization and fast shutter speeds, camera shake will quickly ruin an otherwise acceptable shot. If camera shake is a problem, than the use of a monopod will be beneficial.

I have been photographing birds and wildlife for three years now, and have seen improvements to my images in that time. I have read and watched countless tutorials, and spent hours practicing what I have learned. There has been much trial and error along the way, and there is always room for improvement. My photographs are by no means perfect, but I am happy with the results that I achieve. My first camera and lens combination was a Canon T3i with the EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II that suited me quite well. After understanding the functions of the camera and honing my skills and technique, I realized an equipment upgrade could improve my photography. My current set up, the Canon 7D and EF100-400mm f/4.6-5.6L IS USM gives me more reach, faster auto focus and more frames per second, three things that help with bird photography. When I sit back and scrutinize my images, I look to see what I could have done to improve the image quality. Perhaps I should have selected a faster shutter speed or different aperture. Maybe instead of focusing on the bird’s eye, I focused on the branch beside it. Camera shake is often to blame for my blurry images, even with the use of image stabilization. In all of these cases human error was to blame for the missed shot, not my equipment.

IMG 9274 1 - Is Upgrading Your Telephoto Kit Lens Really Necessary For Bird Photography? — Refining your technique will reward you with better results than investing in an expensive lens. Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II

If you are a serious hobbyist like me, than upgrading your kit lens can help you achieve better results. Expensive lenses help reduce the limitations put on photographers by their equipment, but is not however a substitute for skill and technique. If you are currently shooting with a kit lens, practice achieving the best possible results with your set up. Work on being able to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture quickly while shooting. Become familiar with your camera’s various metering modes, and the use of exposure compensation. These are elements of photography that are incredibly helpful in many shooting situations. When you consistently get results you are happy with, yet find range and focus speed are holding your photography back, then consider upgrading your lens. If you are not getting the results you hoped for from your camera and lens set-up, consider signing up for a one on one workshop.

*Click on the images in this post to view larger*

Good birding,
Paul

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Sparrows

White-throated Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow (juvenile)

House Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Song Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow

Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions

What a difference a week makes. Last Tuesday, temperatures in London spiked to 16°C. For many, outdoor activities were enjoyed in a light jacket or sweater. So far this week, we’ve seen a light dusting of snow and daytime highs hovering around -6°C. Add in the windchill and it feels more like -19°C.

IMG 5299 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Birds use several techniques to keep warm in cold weather. Feather puffing, demonstrated by this Song Sparrow, creates pockets of air which act as insulation. Shivering increases their metabolism, generating more body heat.

Not one to let the cold keep me indoors and needing my daily fix of birds, I headed to Westminster Ponds ESA. I knew the strong southwest wind blowing at 35kmh and gusting to over 50kmh would make the birding a bit tricky. Finding areas that provide shelter from the wind and a source of food for the birds would be key to having success. Fortunately there are plenty of such areas within the ESA.

I decided to start my walk in the woods knowing that the row of Eastern White Pine trees on the edge of the forest would provide an excellent wind break. Among the pines I could hear the calls of the Black-capped Chickadee. Pausing briefly, I could see several birds flitting amongst the branches, inspecting the cones for any remaining seeds. As I entered the mixed deciduous forest behind the row of pines, more Chickadees appeared. Also present were Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

IMG 5381 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Male Northern Cardinal feeding on a Common Buckthorn berry.

The back edge of the forest is overgrown with Common Buckthorn, an invasive species in Ontario. Despite the fact that they are not native, several bird species feed on their berries during winter months when other food becomes scarce. I have read mixed reports on whether or not buckthorn berries are healthy for birds. Some suggest the berries give birds diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, others claim only unripe berries cause diarrhea. It is believed that buckthorn berries are less nutritious than native berries because they are higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein and fat. Regardless of which theory is true, you cannot argue the fact that birds eat buckthorn berries. Among the tangles of buckthorn branches, several Northern Cardinals were present feeding on the bounty of fruit.

Following the trail through the buckthorn thicket, I could hear the high pitched notes of the Golden-crowned Kinglet. Glancing amongst the maze of branches revealed two of these birds. As is the case with all birds, learning their songs and calls is the best way to locate them. If not for hearing them, these tiny little birds would have gone unnoticed.

IMG 5236 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Berries from the Common Buckthorn tree, an invasive species in Ontario, are a popular food of the American Robin during winter.

The stand of trees on the west side of Saunders Pond yielded a sufficient wind break for a group of Mallards making their way along the thin ice at the ponds edge. Hooded Mergansers could be seen further out toward the north shore. The row of Common Buckthorn alongside the boardwalk revealed a flock of American Robins feeding on the berries. A single Song Sparrow was present seeking refuge from the wind.

IMG 5305 1 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — The winter range of the American Robin stretches across our region and even into Quebec and the Maritimes. Look for them in winter along forest edges, rivers, and ponds where berry trees and shrubs are present.

After circling the pond, I came to the open meadow on the east side. The wind was howling across the pond, but I managed to find shelter behind a row of trees. Scanning over what was left of this year’s grasses and wildflowers, I could hear the tweets and chirps of several birds. The most abundant were Northern Cardinals and Dark-eyed Juncos. Further scanning of the area produced a lone Fox Sparrow feeding close to the ground. Having never managed a clear photograph of one of these birds, I was excited for the opportunity. Unfortunately, it never ventured far enough out of the thick cover for me to obtain an obstruction free shot.

IMG 5347 1 2 - Winter Blast Drastically Changes Birding Conditions — Getting a clear shot of this Fox Sparrow was made difficult by the thick cover.

Dressed properly, I was quite comfortable despite the frigid temperatures and strong wind. Even with less than ideal conditions, I still enjoyed a productive day birding. It is important when faced with difficult conditions to always put the odds in your favour. Paying close attention to the conditions and my surroundings, combined with finding locations that provided food and shelter are what made made this outing successful and enjoyable. Keep these factors in mind when you go birding and I think you too will have similar success.

Good birding,
Paul

Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly

By now most are aware of the decline in Monarch Butterfly numbers and that Milkweed is necessary for their survival. So far in 2014, governments, environmental groups, and citizens have all been taking measures to ensure the survival of this beautiful butterfly. For the most part, this has been in the form of planting various types of milkweed and protecting existing patches.

On my many outings throughout the city this year I have been paying close attention to milkweed patches, checking for any signs of monarchs. Early June produced a single monarch fluttering over a meadow containing various wildflowers, milkweed included, in the west end of Greenway Park. I was optimistic for future sightings and hoped that this area would potentially be a breeding ground for the monarchs.

IMG 4858 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Several Monarch Butterflies in a large meadow containing Milkweed and other wildflowers has me hopeful their numbers will rebound.

As weeks went by, I continually checked this area hoping to see more monarchs or evidence that they had been reproducing. Several insects, including bees and other butterfly species could be seen feeding on nectar and gathering pollen from the milkweed and various wildflowers, but unfortunately no more monarchs were seen, nor were any eggs or caterpillars. My optimism faded, but I continued to observe the area whenever I found myself walking there.

My faded optimism quickly turned into excitement this past week when another monarch sighting took place. I was photographing some of the various birds and wildlife in the area, which on this day included: Yellow Warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, an Eastern Kingbird, and White-tailed Deer, when I caught a hint of back and orange flutter past. To my delight it was a Monarch Butterfly. I watched as it flew back and forth over the meadow eventually settling on a Milkweed flower. I quickly snapped several photos then watched as it flew off over the field. Satisfied with my sighting and photos my attention returned to the deer and bird species.

As I watched a doe grazing on the variety of plants, once again a monarch passed by. As I carried on a little further, another Milkweed plant revealed a Monarch Butterfly feeding on it’s nectar. Curious as to whether it was the same butterfly covering a lot of ground or multiple Monarch Butterflies in the area, I scanned the tops of the flowers. I quickly observed several Monarch Butterflies fluttering low over the meadow and clinging to the Milkweed and various wildflowers within it.

IMG 4885 1 - Greenway Park Showing Signs Of Hope For The Monarch Butterfly — Monarch Butterfly on a Milkweed leaf.

Having only seen one Monarch Butterfly in all of 2013, and not within the city, this was a welcome sighting. Whether or not it is a sign of their numbers rebounding, or just one small group in a dwindling population, only time will tell. Hopefully another generation of monarchs will get their start here in one of London’s beautiful parks. To access Greenway Park, turn onto Greenside Avenue from Springbank Drive and follow the road into the park. Be sure to make the quick right hand turn before the pollution control center. I recommend parking in the large lot directly across from the off leash dog area. From there the large patch of Milkweed is on the far side of the soccer pitch. Remember to keep a close eye and ear for all the great wildlife that call Greenway Park home.

Good birding,
Paul