10 Mistakes Bird Photographers Make on Their First Photo Tour

Bird photography is one of the most rewarding types of wildlife photography. There’s nothing quite like capturing a vibrant hummingbird mid-hover, a soaring Andean condor, or a colorful toucan perched in the rainforest canopy.

However, a first photo tour can also be intimidating and full of pitfalls. South America, with its incredible biodiversity, presents both unmatched photographic opportunities and unique challenges — dense forests, steep mountains, unpredictable weather, and elusive birds.

At Retorno Photo Tours, we guide photographers through Colombia’s best birding destinations. Based on years of experience, we’ve seen some common mistakes that first-time bird photographers make. Avoiding these can help you get sharper images, enjoy the experience, and return with incredible memories — not just thousands of unusable shots.

Mistake 1: Underestimating the Importance of Gear

One of the most common mistakes is arriving with inadequate equipment. Birds are fast, small, and often distant, which requires the right camera and lens combination.

Common Gear Mistakes

• Using a standard kit lens instead of a telephoto lens (400mm+).
• Not carrying enough memory cards or backup batteries.
• Ignoring protective gear for rain and humidity.

Pro Tip:

Invest in a good telephoto lens, such as a 100–500mm zoom or 500mm+ prime. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, and a rain cover. Retorno Photo Tours often operates in remote locations where immediate gear replacements aren’t possible.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Local Bird Behavior and Habitats

Birds are not stationary subjects. Many first-timers fail to study species behavior and habitats. Knowing where birds feed, perch, or nest dramatically increases your chances of great shots.

Tips to Avoid This Mistake

• Use field guides or apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to research species in your tour area.
• Observe patterns in feeding times — many species are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Pay attention to habitat preferences — some birds are canopy dwellers, others stay near water or forest floor.

Pro Tip: At Retorno Photo Tours, our guides provide in-depth knowledge about where and when to find specific species, increasing your success rate.

Mistake 3: Wrong Camera Settings

Beginners often struggle with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, resulting in blurred or poorly exposed images.

Common Issues

• Too slow a shutter speed for flying birds.
• Aperture too narrow or wide, causing unwanted depth-of-field issues.
• Over-reliance on automatic modes in tricky lighting conditions.

Pro Tip:

• Shutter speed: 1/2000s+ for birds in flight.
• Aperture: f/4–f/6.3 for background blur.
• ISO: Auto ISO with capped max to balance noise and exposure.

Mistake 4: Focusing on the Wrong Part of the Bird

Eye focus is crucial. Beginners often focus on the body or background, leading to less engaging images.

Tips for Perfect Focus

• Use single-point AF on perched birds.
• Use continuous AF with eye tracking for birds in motion.
• Pre-focus when possible, anticipating the bird’s landing or movement.

Pro Tip: Retorno Photo Tours emphasizes eye-level and eye-focus techniques, especially for shy or fast-moving species like hummingbirds.

Mistake 5: Not Being Prepared for Weather and Light Conditions

South America’s climates vary dramatically — from rainforest humidity to high-altitude cold. Many first-time photographers don’t pack appropriately, limiting their shooting opportunities.

Common Oversights

• Not bringing rain protection for gear.
• Wearing inappropriate clothing or footwear.
• Ignoring sun protection or hydration needs.

Pro Tip:

• Pack lightweight, waterproof gear and quick-dry clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Always carry water and snacks for long trekking days.

Mistake 6: Overpacking or Mispacking

Beginners often carry too much gear or the wrong gear, causing fatigue and making it difficult to react quickly.

Smart Packing Tips

• Stick to one main telephoto lens and a backup shorter lens.
• Use a comfortable backpack with weather protection.
• Organize memory cards, batteries, and accessories for easy access.

Pro Tip: On Retorno Photo Tours, our itineraries often include hiking and uneven terrain, so lightweight and organized gear ensures you can shoot efficiently and safely.

Mistake 7: Not Understanding Bird Ethics

Bird photography is not just about the photo — it’s about respecting wildlife and habitats. Many first-timers inadvertently disturb birds, causing stress or even flight.

Ethical Practices

• Avoid using loud playback sounds excessively.
• Keep distance and use your telephoto lens instead of approaching closely.
• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile habitats.

Pro Tip: Our tours teach photographers ethical birding techniques, balancing great photography with conservation.

Mistake 8: Shooting Without Patience

Bird photography requires immense patience. Many newcomers expect instant results, leading to frustration and rushed shots.

How to Cultivate Patience

• Spend time observing behavior before shooting.
• Learn to anticipate flight paths or feeding times.
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue, which can impact steadiness and concentration.

Pro Tip: Patience is rewarded — the perfect shot often comes after hours of quiet observation.

Mistake 9: Failing to Backup and Organize Photos

First-time photographers often neglect photo backups, risking loss of hundreds of images.

Best Practices

• Carry multiple memory cards.
• Use dual card slots or portable SSDs for backup.
• Organize images by date, species, or location.

Pro Tip: At Retorno Photo Tours, we recommend daily backups and creating a simple folder system to avoid post-tour chaos.

Mistake 10: Forgetting to Enjoy the Experience

Finally, one of the most common mistakes is getting too caught up in gear and technical settings, forgetting to immerse in the moment.

Bird photography tours offer more than photos:

• Experiencing rare species in their natural habitats.
• Observing behaviors that most travelers never see.
• Connecting with fellow photographers and local guides.

Pro Tip: Take moments to enjoy the surroundings, capture candid moments with your eyes, not just the camera. Sometimes the best memories are the ones you store in your mind.

Bonus Tips for First-Time Bird Photographers

• Scout locations before shooting: Learn the terrain and likely perches.
• Use a bean bag or monopod: Useful for low-angle shots in marshes or forest floors.
• Keep a field notebook: Track species, lighting, and lens choices for future trips.
• Engage with guides: Their experience helps you anticipate and capture elusive species.
• Adjust quickly: Light, weather, and bird behavior change constantly; flexibility is key.

Conclusion

Your first bird photography tour is an adventure — full of learning, beauty, and sometimes, mistakes. By avoiding these ten common errors, you’ll maximize your chances of capturing stunning images while having a safe, ethical, and enjoyable experience.

At Retorno Photo Tours, we’ve guided hundreds of photographers through Colombia’s richest birding locations. With preparation, patience, and the right mindset, your first tour can become a life-changing photographic journey — one that leaves you with breathtaking images and unforgettable memories.

Remember: photography is not just about the images you take, but about the experience you live in the wild. Respect the birds, enjoy the landscapes, and every shot will tell a story worth sharing.