Not long ago, I purchased a new telephoto lens—the Fujinon 150-600mm—which has allowed me to significantly improve my bird photography. The increased focal length means I can now observe and photograph birds from a much closer perspective without disturbing them. This lens has truly opened up new possibilities and helped me better capture the detail and character of these fascinating creatures.
Over the past three weeks or so, I’ve been visiting various locations throughout South Moravia, exploring nature reserves, wetlands, fields, and forests, all in search of birds to photograph. Despite the relatively short period of time, I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter a wide variety of species. These include grey herons, which are particularly elegant in flight, as well as cormorants, often seen perched near water, drying their wings in the sun. I’ve also spotted barn swallows performing acrobatic manoeuvres in the air and managed to photograph common shrikes, which are known for their distinctive hooked beaks and interesting behaviour.
Among the more familiar birds, blackbirds have also made an appearance, their melodic songs adding atmosphere to early morning outings. In total, I’ve observed and photographed quite a diverse mix, and I’ve been consistently impressed by how much life can be found when you take the time to look closely at your surroundings.
The gallery linked below showcases some of my favourite captures from these outings. While I’m still refining my technique and getting used to the new equipment, I’m pleased with the results so far. Every photograph represents not only a moment of patience and observation, but also a small step forward in my journey as a nature photographer.
I hope you enjoy browsing through the images. Whether you’re a fellow bird enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone who enjoys glimpses of the natural world, perhaps these pictures will bring you a sense of calm or inspiration. South Moravia continues to surprise me with its quiet beauty and rich wildlife—and I look forward to discovering even more in the coming weeks.