Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 100 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 59 mm | 88 mm | 39 mm | 29 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 117 mm | 177 mm | 78 mm | 59 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 176 mm | 265 mm | 117 mm | 88 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 235 mm | 354 mm | 157 mm | 117 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 352 mm | 530 mm | 235 mm | 176 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 587 mm | 884 mm | 391 mm | 294 mm |
About the Wood Stork#
The wood stork (Mycteria americana) is a large American wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It was formerly called the "wood ibis", though it is not an ibis. It is found in subtropical and tropical habitats in the Americas, including the Caribbean.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Wood storks gather at drying pools in late winter.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March and December, 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.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Wood Stork?
At about 100 cm long, a wood stork fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 117 mm, or at 20 m with 235 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Wood Stork?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Wood Stork?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March and December. 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