Capturing Wildlife Through The Lens

Great Blue Heron Nikon D810 w/Sigma 150 - 600mm

Wake Forest, NC and the surrounding Triangle area offer a surprisingly rich environment for bird photography. With a mix of lakes, forests, wetlands, and suburban greenways, photographers can capture everything from colorful songbirds to powerful raptors—all within a short drive.

The Wake Forest area sits within North Carolina’s Piedmont region, offering a diverse mix of habitats—open water, hardwood forests, and transitional fields. This diversity attracts a wide range of species year-round.

Cormarant Nikon Z6II w/Sigma 150 - 600mm

Best Times for Bird Photography

Timing can make or break your shoot.

Spring (March–May):

• Peak migration season

• Warblers, vireos, and colorful species arrive

Summer (June–August):

• Nesting behavior (great for storytelling shots)

• Raptors and water birds are active

Fall (September–October):

• Shorebirds and migrating flocks

• Cooler light and less foliage

Winter (November–February):

• Waterfowl and ducks

• Easier visibility through bare trees

Fall migration at lakes like Falls Lake can be especially productive, with exposed mudflats attracting a variety of shorebirds.

Tree Frog Nikon D80 w/ Nikkor 35 - 70mm

Sand Wasp on a Eryngium Planum Nikon D80 w/Nikkor 50mm

Best Times to Shoot

Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset):

• Soft, warm light

• Most animal activity

After Rain:

• Amphibians become active

• Unique textures and reflections

• Lush vegetation

Seasonal Highlights:

• Spring: Baby animals, nesting birds

• Summer: Reptiles, active mornings

• Fall: Migration, dramatic light

• Winter: Easier visibility, waterfowl

Persian Silk Tree Nikon D810 with/ Nikkor 85mm L

Camera Settings That Work in the Field

Wildlife is unpredictable, so your settings need to be ready.

Baseline settings:

• Shutter speed: 1/1000+ (faster for birds in flight)

• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for subject isolation

• ISO: Auto ISO with a max you’re comfortable with. I typically don't go higher than ISO 5000

Focus setup:

• Continuous autofocus (AF-C)

• Subject tracking (especially for birds)

• Back-button focus for control

Orb Weaver Spider Nikon D810, Tamron 90mm macro

Black-Capped Petrel, Falls Lake, NC Nikon F4, 300mm, 1/250 Sec. Ilford HP5 +

My Equipment

For birds in flight and long distance subjects I use a Nikon Z6II as it has a fast autofocus tracking system paired with a Sigma 150-600mm lens.

Nikon Z6II. Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4sVZrrW

This is primary camera setup when specifically searching for birds. My secondary camera setup is a Nikon D850 paired with a Nikkor 28-300mm lens.

Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4rKhyjD

This is for landscapes and close up shots of flowers, vegitation, etc. The 45 MP sensor allows me to crop in for composition adjustment and fine details.

Nikon D850. Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4sXDkRX

I also enjoy shooting film with a Nikon F2 and Nikkor 85mm.

Nikon F2 Used at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4s1fKD7

Nikkor 85mm AIS F/1:2 Lens. You can get a nice used one on Ebay

Fieldcraft: The Real Secret to Great Wildlife Photos

Gear matters—but behavior matters more.

1. Move Slowly: Sudden movements scare animals. Slow, deliberate motion keeps you unnoticed.

2. Watch Before Shooting: Spend time observing patterns—where animals land, feed, or travel.

3. Use Natural Cover: Trees, bushes, and terrain help you stay hidden.

4. Respect Distance: If the animal changes behavior because of you, you’re too close.

Belted King Fisher-Sandy Creek, Durham, NC Nikon Z6II w/Sigma 150-600mm

Visit my photo gallery: https://thetravelingstudio.shootproof.com/gallery/23225778

Thanks for checking out my blog!

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