Getting low to achieve an eye-level view of your subject is a simple way vastly improve your bird images. While simple, it can be awkward and painful to get into a position to get a low angle view. I often see photographers sitting or kneeling to get low but avoiding lying down which is often necessary when using a viewfinder. Tilting LCD screens are a godsend and allow is to kneel while placing the camera on the ground and composing on the LCD.

Sometimes topography lets us achieve our goal perfectly comfortably. This often occurs when photographing beach birds as you can walk along the surf margin and isolate birds that are resting at the crest of the beach slope. Obviously light and wind direction are factors to consider but I often find this opportunity arises when walking on a beach. Getting below a subject on a downslope or in a gully achieves the same and it is just a matter of being aware and looking around yourself for opportunities.

It all ties in with fieldcraft in approaching animals as the more we can conceal of ourselves the less threatening we appear. Depending on exactly where the bird is and the topography of the beach it is sometimes possible to have the bird as the only sharply focussed element in. the image.

On a receding tide and an undisturbed beach you can get a very clean field for your subject almost creating a pastel crayon on coloured board effect.

For a smaller bird kneeling and moving up the slope will get you closer while maintaining an eye-level perspective. It also reduces the risk of a wet boot!

Tern and oystercatcher photos with Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 800mm f6.3 VR S. Thanks to Edin for photos of me with iPhone 12 Pro.