For Louise Summerhayes, bird photography isn’t just about capturing the perfect shot - it’s about being present.

“It’s like a form of meditation,” she said. “You’re out in nature and all you’re concentrating on is the birds, so you don’t have to worry about anything else in life.”

Louise finds the experience deeply relaxing. Whether it's watching a Superb Lyrebird mimic a dozen other birds or quietly observing nesting behaviour, she says birdwatching can be surprisingly entertaining.

“You’ve got to enjoy the process.”

Although she’s always had an interest in birds, Louise didn’t take up photography until 13 years ago. What started as a way to add some excitement to her walks has become a dedicated passion.

Self-taught, she began with a point-and-shoot camera and gradually moved to more advanced equipment as her skills developed. 

“You really need every bit of help you can get when you're trying to take photos of birds,” she said.

 “Most are constantly on the move - especially the little ones - and shooting in dark locations like rainforests makes it even more challenging. So, you need a camera that can handle those conditions.”

Louise recommends a lens of at least 400mm for bird photography. “You can sit on a headland at Kiama and capture seabirds if you've got a decent enough zoom.”

Top tips for beginners

1. Invest in good gear: “Buy the best camera setup you can afford,” she advises. “A 400mm lens or higher is ideal.”

2. Know your equipment: “Get to know your camera to get the best out of it. There are so many online tutorials to help beginners understand settings.”

3. Don’t disturb the birds: “Try to get as close as possible without interfering with them.”

A little wattlebird in Kiama. Photo: Louise Summerhayes.

Timing is everything

Birds are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon - times that also offer the best natural lighting for photos.

“Midday light is too harsh,” she said. “You get strong shadows on the birds which can ruin a shot.”

In terms of seasons, Louise recommends late autumn, spring, and summer - when birds are mating, nesting, and raising their young. “They’re more active and much easier to spot.”

She also suggests avoiding windy days. “Birds seem to disappear when it’s windy. A little drizzle is fine - they don’t mind that - but torrential rain keeps them away. If you’re in a rainforest, sunny days are best.”

Local birding hotspots

Budderoo National Park is Louise’s favourite nearby spot. “Around Easter is especially good, with the migrating honeyeaters coming through.”

Other local favourites include: Jerrara Dam, Spring Creek, Barren Grounds, Bonaira Gardens, Werri Lagoon, Kiama Harbour and any local headland.

“Headlands are great - you can spot seabirds like gannets, albatrosses, petrels, and various gulls if you have good binoculars,” she said.

Beyond Kiama, Louise recommends Shoalhaven Heads in summer for its abundance of shorebirds. She’s also travelled to Darwin and Queensland for photography adventures.

A Superb Fairywren in Kiama. Photo: Louise Summerhayes

Species of interest

Alongside photography, Louise keeps a record of every bird she sees using eBird, a global database for bird sightings used for research and education.

“Over 300 species have been recorded in the Kiama Council area,” she said. “319 to be exact, on eBird.”

Local highlights include: The Superb Lyrebird, Eastern Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Koel, Black-faced Monarch and the Dollarbird.

“In autumn, migratory birds begin arriving from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” she said.

The one that got away

Every birder has that story, and for Louise, it’s the elusive Palm Cockatoo.

“We looked everywhere, and then, just as we were leaving and filling up the car with petrol, we spotted one through a hole in a backyard fence,” she said. 

“I raced over, grabbed the camera, took a blurry photo - and that was it. After searching all the right places, I saw it at a petrol station.”

Black swans in Jerrara Dam. Photo: Louise Summerhayes

For Louise, bird photography is less about collecting perfect shots and more about connecting with nature, observing its rhythms, and appreciating the beauty of the moment.

“Even if I don’t get a photo, I’ve still spent time in nature, still watched something beautiful, and that’s enough,” she said.

In a world that often rushes by, her advice is simple: slow down, look up, and enjoy the process.