Monday, July 28, 2025

Flight & Focus: Photographing Birds in Motion

 


With each flutter of wings and sharp eyed gaze from above, Zambia's bird life offers an exhilarating challenge for Wildlife photographers. From fish fish eagles soaring over rivers to bee eaters catching insects midair, capturing birds in motion requires precision, patience, and impeccable timing.

In Flight & Focus, we zero in on what makes avian photography in Zambia so rewarding and how to come home with images that truly soar.



Wings Above Zambia: A Birders Dreamland

Zambia boasts over 750 species of birds, making it one of Africa's top destinations for bird photographers. The dry and wet seasons each offer different spectacles from migratory flocks to rare courtship dances.


Notable birds to photogrh

  • Africa Fish Eagle-Zambia's national bird, Best captured mid-dive
  • Lilac-breasted Roller- Iconic for its brilliant colors and aerial flair
  • Carmine Bee-eater--vibrant, social and striking in colonies 
  • Southern Ground Hornbill-rare and expressive on the forest floor 
  • Kingfishers-brilliant subjects in riverine zones, often midhunt 

Tips for Photographing Birds in Motion

Use continuous Auto focus (Ai Servo/AF-C)

Track your target as it moves across the sky or through foliage. Let your gear do the work while you compose creativity.

Shoot In Burst Mode 

Birds move unpredictably. A rapid series of shots gives you a better chance of nailing the moment the wings fully spread or the beak pierces the water.

Golden hours Are golden fo a Reason

The soft light of sunrise and sunset enhances feather texture and reduces harsh shadows on fast moving subjects.

Position Yourself with Wind and Light 

Birds take off and land into the wind--use this to plan your angles, and always shoot with the light behind you for best detail.

Patience is Everything 

Sometimes the best shots come from waiting in the right place. use a hide, or spend time near a known nesting or feeding area.



Top Bird p[photography locations in Zambia 

South Luangwa National Park--a Hotspot for kingfishers,rollers, and storks

Bangweulu Wetlands--home of the elusive shoebill stork

Lower Zambezi National Park--a riverine paradise for eagles and herons

Kasanka national park--where massive bat migrations attract dozens of bird species 



Stay Protected on the Go!

Don't let buzzing insects ruin your perfect shot. With PARA'KITO Mosquito Repellent Bands and clips You stay Bite-Free,focused, and comfortable--no matter how long you stake out your shot. these stylish, DEET-free solutions are a favorite among our safari photographers. Check out our Blog post about them PARA'KITO Bands


Get Involved 

Whats your dream bird to Photograph in the wild?

Ever caught an action shot you're proud of?

Drop your stories or questions in the comments!


Plan Your Zambia Bird Photography Safari

At Bloodstone Travel Agency, we build luxury safaris tailored for photographers complete with expert guides, prime Birding locations, and time to wait for the shot.

Email:Rod@bloodstonetravelagncy.com 

Website: Www.bloodstonetravelagency.com 

Whatsapp:702-682-3631


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Flight & Focus: Photographing Birds in Motion

  With each flutter of wings and sharp eyed gaze from above, Zambia's bird life offers an exhilarating challenge for Wildlife photograph...