WINTER BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY! (Struggle and Success)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/stefanoianirowildlife12211

[@godsinbox]

why would there be ads in the first place? if you want someone to yell at you while you are learning, join the military on a 1 month free trial.

[@Hulbatross]

I really admire the fact that you don't wanna disturb the owls just for a photo. Many photographers don't care about anything but the photo. Respect man

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! I agree, especially around owls

[@kylegage87]

So nice that you consider the well being of the bird over a photo op with the Great horned owls! Too many do not unfortunately. Thank you for setting a good example on birding/photography ethics. Happy Holidays!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Happy Holidays to you, as well! And thanks, the welfare of the animals should always be #1!

[@patrickhudgell]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead I quite agree with this comment. Welfare of the birds is #1. Happy holidays

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much for watching! Hope all of you have a great holiday season!

[@CrazyBlueMood]

Thank you Stefano, happy holidays and hope you and your family have a lovely, warm , safe and joyous new year.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Same to you buddy! Happy holidays 🙂

[@premilshasendra2746]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead Happy holidays 🐦🐦

[@sh8736]

And you and your family 🙂

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Happy holidays!

[@joshccarter17]

What you did with the owls really hit me. I am newer to bird photography, and I love it and love wildlife so much, and I've been searching for owls lately because they're amazing to me, and I found some this last week which was an awesome experience, but I definitely got too close to them and probably disturbed them and I feel super bad about it, so thank you for making those points about the owls because I'm going to completely change my approach in the future.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

I wouldn't dwell on it too much. Especially when you're first starting out, you'll have those moments where you test your "boundaries" with different species. It is part of the growing pains of starting wildlife photography. The fact that you've addressed that you're adapting your technique/approach to minimize disturbance, shows that you "get it". Which is pretty great for someone just starting out, considering there are many with years of experience who don't put the welfare of the animals first.

[@joshccarter17]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead Thanks! Yeah I'm learning lots and having a ton of fun with it. I hope to make a career out of it along with conservation work, so your videos are really great help in improving photography! Thank you!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

@@joshccarter17 So glad to hear! Good luck with everything!

[@HerbertoWestentasche]

"When you don't take your camera with you, something's gonna go pop up" I feel you so much bro 😂

[@kilohotel6750]

I have lots of those woodpeckers in the woods near me and every year try to get good shots but I never get what I want. It’s amazing to watch how fast they can create a pretty large cavity in a tree and then in the spring to see a smaller bird make it a home. Nice to let the owls sleep especially when they aren’t being harassed by crows.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

I agree! It’s beautiful to see the amount of wildlife benefit from a dead tree!

[@CrazyBlueMood]

Kudos to you for not disturbing the Owls. I am sure if you leave a treat out they will thank you and may even visit you later.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Disturbing them is always a concern. I don't think wild owls should be fed though.

[@CrazyBlueMood]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead ok, havent found any yet, but when i find them, i will not feed them :D

[@GruberAndreas]

Great work, Stefano - all of your videos. They're so much better than all those high-tech, computer animated, trained animals etc wildlife documentarys (-ies?) they have on tv these days! This might help you finding a tree or bush in the woods again more easily after you found it for the first time: you tie some coloured ribbon/rope/shreds from an old t-shirt etc around a tree or branch close to the spot but not right on that very tree. Like 5 to 30 metres away from it (depending on the surroundings), probably on the opposite side of the path that's passing by. So when you're looking for that tree again, you just have to find that ribbon and from there you can recall where that exact tree is (but nobody else can!). I learned this from an 88 years old birder who spent half of his life in the woods looking for nests. Greetings from Vienna, Austria!

[@SimplyStunningBirds]

Gorgeous scenes of snowfall over the forest. The delicate snowflakes falling onto the woodpecker as it feeds is lovely! Thanks for sharing and was a pleasure as always!

[@iandavidbrown8852]

Brilliant vlog, keeps my motivation up when the only thing to really photograph in the UK in winter is a pigeon. Many Thanks

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@RobJorg]

5:25 is a really good bit,. Sony A1, 200-600 is an amazing piece of kit.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! Yes, loving the combo!

[@meganpryor1081]

Thank you for this video! We are gifting my daughter a camera and she is really bummed about the in between seasons with birds. Not too many are around. But thanks to your video she is excited again!! You've given her some new ideas to think of. We truly appreciate your words, your videos, and just YOU! thanks for doing what you do and best part, sharing what you do with all of us to see. Enjoy this winter.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's an amazing gift! And so glad to hear you enjoyed the video. I actually think the winter is a great time to start bird photography. It's nice to start slow and learn as much as you can before the birds start flooding in during spring migration! Goodluck during your next outings!

[@LetsGoOutdoors]

Well done! Winter, as those of us know living in northern climates, can pose some real challenges when it comes to photography/cinematography you have captured both in fine style.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@philipculbertson55]

Great footage and stills of the woodpecker. For a week, Ive been attempting to sneak up on some migratory geese in a lake nearby. They always see me and paddle out too far to get decent photos. Today, I had the dog and the geese actually swam towards us and got to about 30 yards. I got some good photos with my 80-400 and slowly started heading away up the shore and the geese actually followed us. It seemed like they were curious about the dog for some reason. Every time I walked up the shore, they slowly followed me. I spent about half-hour with them before leaving. These are wild migratory geese and the lake is isolated so I'm pretty sure no one has fed them but I've never seen wild geese act like that. If I moved suddenly, they would quickly swim the other direction but when I got still, they would begin paddling in my direction. Maybe I'll take the dog more often.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hmm, that is really interesting! I'm not sure why they would follow you. You have to bring your dog and do a few more tests!

[@BayouJosh]

wonderful video Stefano. Great sighting and beautifully captured. Thanks for sharing brother. I love watching your videos.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed it, Josh! Thanks for watching!

[@gotophotoarchive9131]

Nice footage ... woodpecker and owls ... nice catch ... I don't mind we haven't seen the photo, we have seen the footage ... thanks for sharing.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@kartiksalunke9653]

This is so beautiful. It seems like a dream literally. We need more snowy videos. The wildlife looks even more spectacular in winter through your vision man. Love from India 🇮🇳 😇

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

We’ll be getting plenty of snow in the upcoming months! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rockfishmiller]

Happy holidays to you too. I admire your ethics as much as your photographs, well done. The squirrel shots rock also. Greetings from the west coast, cheers.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Have a great week 🙂

[@johnnyc613]

Great shot man ! That Ted really pops in the white snowy background !

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@thisisme1999]

Awesome! I can relate to the pleasure you feel when you see a Pileated Woodpecker. It is one of my favorite birds to photograph, I will stop just to listen to it's call when I hear it just to be sure I am not hearing it's similar sounding cousin, the Northern Flicker. One of my best experiences was two parents feeding two youngsters in their nest hole. The nest hole was built right beside a very busy trail and parking lot in a park and there was no care about the people being there at all. It was the only active nest I have ever come across although I have seen holes being dug out several times.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That sounds like an amazing experience!

[@jerryvincent4727]

Your winter experience is much like mine here in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis. I'm seeing chickadees, red and gray squirrels, downy woodpeckers, and finally a pileated woodpecker! It's good to get outside and breathe some fresh air - and maybe get some sunshine! Thanks for all your fine videos!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much for watching! Goodluck on your next outing!

[@markwalker8374]

Hi Stefano, I like your story telling style. Would you mind sharing some tips on your video settings, I have not done any video and have an A9 + 200-600mm and sometimes I use my A7RIV. On my current travels (in Sri Lanka) I am trying out a new monopod with the Wimberley monogimbal head. Cheers.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! I have a video on my channel where I talk about tips for shooting video. If you have any other questions after watching it let me know 🙂

[@curbe4288]

everything bout this video in beautiful, pls keep the winter content up

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Definitely will! So glad you enjoyed it

[@VisPhoto]

Truly awesome display of ethics, wonderful video, and great work. Cheers!

[@ghetto_tog]

Damn... you nailed a sharp close up of a woodpecker at 1/250s. Lovely footage, and props for not disturbing the owls.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@soethan.1349]

Great video, happy day and holiday. It is so beautiful images. 👍

[@nicholasbedworth8872]

Stefano... what is your favorite binocular brand and model these days? I'm looking for really high optical quality, 42-50 mm objectives for dim light, and waterproof. My Nikon Monarch 8 x 42, perhaps 10 years old, are slowly falling apart. Also, my interpupillary distance is about 58 mm. I'm considering the Nikon EDG II 8 x 42, discontinued by available as NOS from Japan for $1,800; or the Swarovski 8 x 42 NL which are $2,759. They have a cool headrest assembly for $140. BTW the trade-off between possibly disturbing the birds is building awareness of nature on the part of the public, and encouraging conservation. "In wildness is the preservation of the world."

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

I've never tried the Swarovskis, so not too sure if they're worth the price tag. I currently have the Nikon Monarchs which I'm not a huge fan of. So far one of the better models I've tried around that price point and really enjoyed are the Zeiss Terra ED. It is pretty subjective though, so the best thing is to try out a bunch of different binoculars before buying them.

[@PeterLariviere1]

Great video again. Happy holidays to you and your family.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks a lot, Peter! Happy holidays to you and yours, as well!

[@advennature950]

We respect your decision to not disturb the Great Horned Owls, thank you! The welfare of the bird always comes first, no matter how bad you may want to get that "gripping" photo or video. Thank you for sharing.

[@Toth_krisz]

Awesome stuff, keep up the great work Stefano!

[@ABirdersParadise]

Just recently had a Pileated Woodpecker gathering all the insects from the crevices in my house. Didn't get any pictures because, like you with the GRHOWLs, I didn't want to spook it by opening the door. Also, those owls were really cool! I rarely see owls, especially in the fall/winter.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha that’s so cool! It’s like having a woodpecker for natural “pest” control

[@zfisher]

Great video, really calm and inspiring

[@penorvoll]

Awesome bird and and awesome pictures! So fun to watch your videoes! :)

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@MrStaggerLeeee]

What a beautiful video of this amazing wood pecker and so good to see you adressed the ethics when doing bird photography

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@finyo83]

The Pileated Woodpecker was my nemesis bird for a while. I have seen them a couple of times already, but a couple of weeks ago I finally had the chance to take a few decent pictures.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That's awesome! Congrats on the photos!

[@hunteroflight1]

I love your videos and advices. Great job.

[@hunteroflight1]

@Text me on telegram👉@StefanoIaniro I don't have a telegram. Thank you anyway. 😊😊

[@nightcoder5k]

Amazing video content. Thank you for sharing.

[@richkilgallen9920]

I feel a little connection with the pileated because they were such an obvious presence when I had the chance to work in the forest many years ago. The huge cavities they leave in stumps, downed logs, etc. were always impressive. But, most of all, I loved to hear their drumming. Do you have video of the tremendous drumming behavior? I’ve heard it hundreds of times but never caught one in the act!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

They are very impressive! No footage of the drumming come to think of it. Most of my footage is them stripping bark and feeding on insects. I’d love to get some shots of them fully excavating a cavity

[@Paulus449]

Beautiful video. I've just ordered a Sony 100-400mm g master lens and 1.4 teleconverter to go with my A7iii camera. I'm all over KZbin now looking for tips on bird/ wildlife photography. Your video and channel are great, I've liked and subscribed

[@stephaneolivier7688]

Another awesome video ! Thank you so much ! Each time I watch your channel, it helps me improve my skills and above all, it makes me want to go out in nature !

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Hope you find success on your next outing! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@BlackNight603]

Happy New Year! Greetings from Germany.

[@claytonrickertphotography2381]

Great video Stefano, and I love your pictures!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad to hear! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@Max_Gindele]

I've just come from outside, as I've been photographing and shooting my new KZbin video. I'm really looking forward to watching your video now. They are always very motivating and inspiring 😉👍🏼 Keep up the good work, greetings from Germany.

[@wildlifenature4435]

I'm 100% with you on that! I just watched your channel, Max. I think your footage is really great considering you're only 14👍🏼. Keep at it and you'll be successful

[@Max_Gindele]

@@wildlifenature4435 Thank you very much! I'm very happy if you like my channel 🙃.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That’s great! Hope you found success!

[@rogersmith4308]

great video and encounter, love it

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@MikeyElefant]

amazing video and amazing video. thanks so much for iploading

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@elijahvollendorf9451]

How do you like the monopod + wimberly gimbal for filming? I was hoping to go with that combo, but on a forum people said the footage would be unusable at 600, but yours looks great. Do you have to stabilize it in post? Great videos! I’ve been watching a lot since I’m laid up in bed with a back injury.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Depends on my settings and the scene! If I’m using 120fps slow motion, that helps a lot. If I’m shooting regular speed, the monopod isn’t the best choice with such long lenses. You can still get it fairly stable, but will likely need some stabilization in post. It’s also kind of subjective because everyone has different techniques so some results may be more stable than others. If you can rent/borrow one first before buying that would be ideal to see if it works for you. Rest up and hope you have a speedy recovery!

[@hayleyscar]

Gorgeous photos, we have Peliated Woodpeckers in our back yard and saw some of the chicks this summer, sadly I have never been able to get a good picture of them, they are really skittish

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That’s amazing to have them in your yard! It’s usually a mixed bag when it comes to how skittish they are. I’ve had some land a few feet away from me no worries, but I’ve also had some where you can’t even look at them without flying away haha. All comes down to the individual bird!

[@CamillaI]

It looks hard where you are Stefano . I must admit apart from the cold we don't suffer the extremes here in the UK ! Well normally! Less leaves on the trees is a distinct advantage and the car can always be used as a hide ! Not much snow down here in the South of England ! Loving the Woodpecker what a handsome beast Awesome !👍😍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Like anything, you get used to it! It took me a couple of years after starting bird photography to truly appreciate the wintertime. I’m still hoping to visit the UK one day!

[@CamillaI]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead Love the snow ! Love to show you round my neck of the woods but don't think anyone is going to travel much in the near future !

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yes, sadly not!

[@neonbirding2680]

Awesome video. You have the eyes of a Hawk and the tactical manuvers of a 11B.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@Navyweathercpo]

Wonderful... Thank You!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@adeline_95]

I’m not one to often comment, but I just have to say, this channel is awesome!! I wish I would have found it sooner 😂 You do a very good job of portraying the good and the bad, instead of only including the beautiful scenes and rare sightings.

[@glennhunt2375]

You said it Stefano, just one opportunity to make an image that your pleased with on the more bleak day's really motivates me to get back out there too. Like your ethics regarding observing / photographing wildlife. 👍

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! I always feel like “bad days” in the field usually build momentum towards something great

[@StephenJStephen_Photography]

Very nice video Stefano. Like you I enjoy finding wildlife and appreciate when a subject accepts my presence. I also generally avoid photographing owls because of all of the attention (good and bad) they they attract. That is despite that fact that they are beautiful subjects.

[@cystopus]

Great birds capture.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@abelfernandez5648]

Precioso pájaro carpintero Stefano, podría parecerse a nuestro Pito Negro por el tamaño, enhorabuena por el vídeo y la captura.

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@GiuseppeGessa]

Great Stefano for your choice to not disturb the owls!!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@vishalnaikphotography]

Amazing video as usual 🎉🙌

[@justingates1122]

Good job merry Christmas

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Same to you 🙂

[@nealegordon]

Super video Stefano! Great respect and empathy! 👍👌

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!!

[@brodoxplayz3340]

what camera do you use i have been doing bird photography for a bit and have been trying to find a good camera

[@denischasse3567]

Toujours un plaisir 🎥🎥🎥🎄🎄🎄

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Merci!!

[@KnightsandWeekends]

Excellent work!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@haroldmassey5966]

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year

[@LouisaLee63]

Amazing video and photos!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@owenwildingphotography]

You are my favourite photographer! I love your videos and I go out all the time to photograph birds in my local provincial park. The only owl I have seen is a snowy and I know where they are stay! You are in Ontario right? It would b so cool to do bird photography with a pro like you! I'm only 13 so this is all crazy! I shoot with a tamron 75-300 that I got for $300. If you want to do some photography with me (Lol you dont have to) just leave a comment! Keep up the great work!

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That means a lot, thank you! Snowy owls are magical! I'm not in Ontario, I'm out east in Quebec. Hope you find some success on your next outing!!

[@waynearchibald3920]

Great filming Stefano...was this in Pointe aux Tremble?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks so much! No this was in the West Island!

[@smiffywildlife]

Just found your channel and subscribed. Fabulous upload, and, what a lesson to be learnt by trophy image hunters 👌totally applaud you on the respect for the wildlife. Thank you for such pleasure and enthusiasm, thank you for sharing your wildlife adventure. Phil 🇬🇧

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

So happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@lucaaz14]

Where is this? Its beautiful

[@giog3734]

Hi Stefano, good job on not disturbing the owls. For some reason I feel you are in the Montreal area. Am I right?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thanks, and yes this was taken in the area!

[@ApiaryGaming]

Awesome pics :) Do you use any lens filters for your wildlife photography?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! No I don't use any lens filters for my wildlife lenses

[@ApiaryGaming]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead You're welcome :) Thanks!

[@MaxWildlifePhotographer]

Do you ever mark your location on maps for good trees and spots?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Usually. I thought I'd easily be able to find this again so I didn't bother. Bad mistake haha

[@fab_cinematic_studio]

Amazing sir❤️

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@martincapul92]

I love your content. ❤️📸

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@Rudy60426]

great video

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you! 🙂

[@arindam053]

Hii there, I am very new to your channel from India. But seriously I want to say that the way you describe your Video and Photos is One of a class. It's very interesting and fascinating to see your such outstanding work. As being a wildlife photographer myself I feel excited to see such amazing work. Thanks for sharing . 👍 👌

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

That means a lot, thanks so much for sharing!

[@2himmler]

Did you buy the A1?

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yes! Been using it for a few months now 👍

[@LuisPerez-fy6up]

Team Sony! :D

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

😁😁

[@muthamalasuresh8250]

Two days back I found your channel through news channel in india, I'm New subscriber from india. They told about your work

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Oh that’s so interesting! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

[@NailKaraaslan]

mükemmel

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Thank you!

[@BenGieCruz]

For a moment I thought you were shorting with a 600mm f4

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Haha maybe one day 😅

[@jacopo0797]

sei italiano??

[@bamsemh1]

Are your photo here, actually photos? Or frames stolen out of the video? 🤔 Can I do much with 200mm f4? 😬

[@TheWildlifeHomestead]

Yup, they're actually photos! I don't really take frames from a video and use them as a photo, unless it's for thumbnails. You can do bird photography with any lens, the only thing that changes is the techniques you'll need to use to get the types of photos you want!

[@bamsemh1]

@@TheWildlifeHomestead was just wondering, because most of it was video 😊 that's why I was thinking that you just picked frames out 😊

[@KevinNordstrom]

@@bamsemh1 And what if he did? Its still his own footage and art. I see nothing wrong with taking a photo out of a frame. I rarely do it myself, but i dont see why it would be an issue to people.

[@SaguaroSignatureLandscaping]

amazing video and amazing video. thanks so much for iploading