Follow these easy to do tips for taking better pictures of birds this winter.

Birds are not the easiest subjects to photograph. Actually, it can be downright frustrating. They never sit still for long and they are easily spooked. It seems like the only way to get really great pictures of them is to have a fancy telephoto lens and cover yourself from head to toe in camouflage. For the average bird watcher, you are not looking to get a spectacular shot of a rare bird species to submit to Audubon. Nope, you just want a nice, in focus picture of Mr. Cardinal to add to your scrapbook or post on Facebook. Luckily you do not need fancy camera gear to take a good bird picture. Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances of getting a good photo of your feathery friends.

1. Feed them

If you do not already have a bird feeder up, get one. It makes it exponentially easier to take pictures of them in a place that they already frequent. Once you put the feeder up, give it a few days. The birds need a little time to get comfortable and feel secure around the feeder. I have a couple of feeders in front of my kitchen window. There are several trees and shrubs in my front yard that offer protection for the birds from neighborhood predators. Also, there is cover immediately in front of the feeders. The birds love this location and I have a great view of the bird traffic at the kitchen sink.

2. Use a blind

Birds are fidgety creatures. The best way to get close for a picture, especially if you do not have a telephoto lens, is by using a blind. Now, you don't need to go to a hunting/outdoors store and get a camouflage contraption. An easy way to mask your movement from a bird is to use your car. I have sat in my vehicle with the windows down enough to poke my lens out. I've gotten several nice shots from the front seat of my car! Try to wear subdued colors that match natural surroundings, especially when you intend to sit still. Some professional photographers suggest wearing a hat so it covers reflection of the eyes. If I am sitting on the ground intending to take a picture, I will cover my head with the hood of my coat and try to make myself as small and as part of the landscape as much as I can.

3. Photograph them in direct sunlight

Photographing birds in direct sunlight will help you get a faster shutter speed and creates even lighting on the bird. Fast shutter speed is important when shooting fast moving objects, it freezes the action. Birds do not sit still for long, so if you can set your camera to a shutter priority or "sports" mode, you will increase your chances of getting a good, focused shot. Even lighting (with no flash) will eliminate harsh shadows and help bring out the detail of the bird's feathers and color.

4. Let them to fly to you

Birds are cautious creatures and will almost always fly away if you get too close to them. It's better to let them come to you. If you sit still and wait patiently, then birds will often land just a few feet away from you. Birds are very sensitive to your movement; they need to determine if you are a threat or not. Limit your movements once they land, and definitely no quick or jerky movement.

5. Enable continuous shooting and take lots of pictures

Birds rarely perch in the same position for long. Most cameras have an option for rapid fire or continuous shooting. Talk LOTS of shots. The more shots you take you increase the chances of getting a decent picture. Since you will be taking a bunch of pictures, also make sure you have enough room on your SD card.

6. Use a tripod and shutter remote

If you do not have a DSLR and telephoto, you can still get great shots of birds. A simple point and shoot camera can be used on a tripod to get up close pictures of your little birds. This method will work great for pictures of birds at your feeders. Set up the camera on the tripod close to the feeder. A wireless shutter release will probably work best, but if you have a wired shutter remote, hide behind your bird blind. Once the birds come into view, fire away!

7. Always be ready for a shot

You never know when that red-bellied woodpecker will grace your feeder, so be ready. I know that the traffic at my feeders increases about mid-morning, once the air has warmed up a bit. This is when I get my camera and prepare it for birding pictures. I make sure the camera is set up for wildlife shots and remember to take off the lens cap (yep, I have missed great picture opportunities due to lens cap malfunctions). That way, if a pretty little bird lands at my feeder while I am sipping on my morning coffee, I am ready to shoot.