The Surprising Value of Camouflage, The Bird Photographer’s Secret

The Surprising Value of Camouflage

What sounds smarter to you? Spending thousands on expensive camera lenses and teleconverters to create mediocre bird photos or spending a few hundred dollars on some camouflage to create amazing bird photos? That's the surprising value of camouflage in a nut shell.

I've photographed birds for decades. During most of that time I resisted wearing camouflage. Why? Because I saw camo as being "for hunters" and not photographers. Wow was I ever wrong. Camouflage is essential for anyone who wants wildlife, including birds, to have a hard time seeing them which includes photographers.

To be clear, I have nothing against hunting. That said, it's really not for me. Of course, the first time I wore it I had to stop at the grocery store. While buying some cod the fish monger said, "well you're a hunter so you know what I mean." about the cut of fish he made being exactly one pound.

Honestly that helped me get over feeling awkward about wearing camo.

What I've Learned About Camouflage

What I've learned about camo as a bird photographer is that it can be one of the most valuable tools in your kit. You could drop thousands of dollars on expensive lenses or you could capture incredible photos of birds with a 200mm lens and less than $200 worth of the right camouflage.

Birds Eye View

Birds have incredible vision along with some of their other senses. As a result it's crucial to blend into your surroundings. You need to not stand out - this means your camouflage needs to match the area.

Additionally, birds recognize people shaped objects. Therefore, you should be as un-people-shaped as possible. Finally, if you remain still or move more like the objects around you then the birds won't notice you.

Doing so will allow you to capture elusive up-close photos. In this article we'll explore the surprising value of camouflage for bird photographers. Too, I'll point out what to avoid. Finally, we'll go over some options for different weather conditions.

What to Look for in Camouflage Gear

When choosing camouflage for bird photography, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Color: opt for colors and designs that match the environment you're photographing.
• Pattern: look for patterns that mimic the natural textures and shapes found in your location at that time of year. This will help you blend in seamlessly. This can really be the difference between being spotted or not.
• Material: choose lightweight, and breathable fabrics that won't restrict your movement or cause discomfort during long hours in the field. If you're going to be hiking look for moisture wicking as well.

What to Avoid

While it's important to wear the right camouflage, there are some things to avoid:

• Bright Colors: Stay away from bright or flashy colors that will attract attention from both birds and other photographers. If it's hunting season you should wear orange or avoid areas where hunters may be active. Otherwise, try not to wear any color not found in the environment you're photographing.
• Shiny Materials: Reflective or shiny materials can easily catch the light and give away your position. This is especially true for wet-weather gear like ponchos.
• Noisy Fabrics: Avoid fabrics that rustle or make noise when you move, as this can startle birds and disrupt their natural behavior. A lot of hunting camouflage is marketed as silent. Look for that but be sure to read the reviews!

Camouflage for Bad Weather

When it comes to bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or extreme cold, there are specialized camouflage options available:

• Rain: invest in a waterproof camouflage jacket and pants to stay dry without compromising your ability to blend in. Ponchos are great choices here but make sure they're quiet and not shiny.
• Snow: opt for a white or snow camo suit that matches the snowy landscape. This will help you disappear into the background and capture stunning shots of winter birds.
• Cold Weather: layer up with thermal camouflage clothing to keep warm while remaining hidden from the keen eyes of birds. Alternatively, wear thermal clothes under lighter camouflage.
• Hot Weather: in hot conditions, choose lightweight and breathable camouflage clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable. You can also find grease-paint if long-sleeves and pants are too much. A good camo hat will keep the sun off your face as breakup your outline as well.

The Secret of Silent Camouflage

In addition to visual camouflage, it's important to consider sound. Birds and a lot of wildlife have excellent hearing, so wearing clothing that minimizes noise is essential.

Look for garments made from soft and quiet materials that won't create unnecessary disturbances. When it comes to the value of camouflage, it's worthless if sound scares the birds away.

Understanding Bird Vision and Senses

To truly master camouflage, it's helpful to understand how birds see and perceive their surroundings. Birds have remarkable color vision and can detect the slightest movement.

Blend into their environment. As a result, you will get closer to them without causing alarm. Of course this means the right camo but it also means being patient and still.

Be Patient And Still

Because birds are so keenly aware of what's happening around them you must be still if you want birds to come close to you.

That brings us to the topic of patience. Because you're likely making a lot of noise when you set up birds may avoid the area you're in even if they can't see you. As a result, if you're not patient, they might not return before you leave.

Ultimately, no matter what you spend your money on, the value of your gear is zero if you're moving on before your subject shows up. Truly, you'll be surprised as just how many birds you will photograph when you're patient.

Alternatives To Camouflage

If you're still not sold on wearing camouflage there are alternatives. For example, you can buy a ghillie blanket. These are most practical if you're going to spend a long time in the same spot.

Of course if ghillie blankets are not your thing there are also portable blinds. Again though, these are best if you're planning to be in one place for a significant amount of time. After all, packing up and moving a blind and a chair every hour or so would be tedious.

Camouflage Your Photography Gear

It's a great idea to buy camouflage wraps for your camera and lenses too. Also, consider using a tripod and a gimble head. Those will allow you to keep your camera perfectly still for a long time. Don't forget to wrap or camouflage them as well.

After all, you can spend a lot of time hiding yourself. However, if you've got a shiny black lens and camera with a big piece of glass pointing at them then the birds are not going to be fooled.

Other Items To Consider

On the subject of shiny photography gear, there are other items to consider. For example, if you've got a watch, sun glasses, or any jewelry hide them. Otherwise, you're going to give yourself away. Anything that doesn't look like the area where you're photographing birds is a give away. As a result, the birds are going to notice them and may not get close.

Conclusion

When it comes to bird photography, wearing the right camouflage is a surprising and valuable alternative to expensive lenses and teleconverters. By choosing the right colors, patterns, and materials, you can blend seamlessly into your surroundings and capture stunning photos without disturbing the birds.

Remember to avoid bright colors, shiny materials, and noisy fabrics, and consider specialized camouflage for different weather conditions. With the right camouflage and a little knowledge of bird vision, you'll be well-equipped to take your bird photography to the next level.

Ultimately, the value of camouflage means that for a few hundred dollars you can create photos that others have spent thousands of dollar to get.