Posted by Peter Cross on January 24, 2012 at 8:06 PM
Yeah, I know. Chickens: how boring. We have a few small flocks living in the neighborhoods near my home. They're free ranging and I don't know what the source of them is, but they've been here for a few years and seem to be holding their own. The other day, I saw a really outrageously beautiful rooster and I thought it would really make a great photo which got me thinking about trying my hand at this kind of bird photography. Has anyone had any experience with photographing free-ranging chickens and share a few pointers or lessons learned? No sense re-iventing the wheel if I don't have too. These birds don't seem overly approachable so I'm sure this may take a little time to figure out. Suggestions and tips will be much appreciated.
Peter
Posted by Phillip Noll on January 24, 2012 at 8:31 PM
Wear this and talk like Foghorn Leghorn and you should be fine!
I keep chickens and photograph them regularly. They are such absolute characters, and can be beautiful subjects, depending on the breed or cross, of course. Each bird has a unique, and often comical, personality. I never tire of watching them.
The flocks in your neighborhood don't have a "home?" Feral chickens? They are finding all their food just by foraging? (My chickens love to find their own food (grubs and insects), but I'm afraid if I let them truly free-range, they will fall prey to foxes and coyote.) There are no such predators by you? I assume they roost in trees at night. Very interesting, in any case.
I encourage you to poke around in your local bushes -- you'll get some eggs!
Posted by Peter Cross on January 26, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Rebecka,
They are either escapees or were let loose. They just seem to wander around but I do find them in certain areas. We had two coming in to our bird feeders, then they just disappered. I do find signs of them having been predated. A pile of feathers is a pretty good indication. This area is adjacent to a very large open area which harbors coyotes, foxes, various raptors. I think that's what keeps the population in check. I see the little chicks and they become smaller in number as time goes on. I'm not really a big fan of these birds running around but some are quite colorful and I look at it as a challenge to see if they can be photographed.
Posted by Ed Williams on January 27, 2012 at 2:02 AM
Just move slow and be patient. A handful or two of chicken scratch won't hurt either.
I have taken a few photos of chickens and other game birds for our Department's Avian Health Calendars over the past few years.
They seem to be pretty good at surviving in the wild even with a few bobcats and coyotes around.
Peter, I have several chicken posts on my web site www.theoldsouthphotography.com, take a look. They are in the land-sea-air section.
As told, it seems like they have their own personality.
Bob
Discussion
7 repliesPeter
Then I read Phillip's comment and feel off my chair.
Thanks, guys. I needed that.
I keep chickens and photograph them regularly. They are such absolute characters, and can be beautiful subjects, depending on the breed or cross, of course. Each bird has a unique, and often comical, personality. I never tire of watching them.
The flocks in your neighborhood don't have a "home?" Feral chickens? They are finding all their food just by foraging? (My chickens love to find their own food (grubs and insects), but I'm afraid if I let them truly free-range, they will fall prey to foxes and coyote.) There are no such predators by you? I assume they roost in trees at night. Very interesting, in any case.
I encourage you to poke around in your local bushes -- you'll get some eggs!
They are either escapees or were let loose. They just seem to wander around but I do find them in certain areas. We had two coming in to our bird feeders, then they just disappered. I do find signs of them having been predated. A pile of feathers is a pretty good indication. This area is adjacent to a very large open area which harbors coyotes, foxes, various raptors. I think that's what keeps the population in check. I see the little chicks and they become smaller in number as time goes on. I'm not really a big fan of these birds running around but some are quite colorful and I look at it as a challenge to see if they can be photographed.
I have taken a few photos of chickens and other game birds for our Department's Avian Health Calendars over the past few years.
They seem to be pretty good at surviving in the wild even with a few bobcats and coyotes around.
As told, it seems like they have their own personality.
Bob