Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 16 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 336 mm | 492 mm | 224 mm | 168 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 672 mm | 984 mm | 448 mm | 336 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,007 mm | 1,475 mm | 672 mm | 504 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,343 mm | 1,967 mm | 896 mm | 672 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 2,015 mm | 2,951 mm | 1,343 mm | 1,007 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 3,358 mm | 4,918 mm | 2,239 mm | 1,679 mm |
About the Bohemian Waxwing#
The Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is a starling-sized passerine bird that breeds in the northern forests of Eurasia and North America. It has mainly buff-grey plumage, black face markings and a pointed crest. Its wings are patterned with white and bright yellow, and some feather tips have the red waxy appearance that give this species its English name.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Find fruiting trees in winter — flocks return repeatedly.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March and April, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Waxwings#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Bohemian Waxwing?
At about 16 cm long, a bohemian waxwing fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 672 mm, or at 20 m with 1,343 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Bohemian Waxwing?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Bohemian Waxwing?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March and April. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources