Gathering and creating bird perches adds variety to my backyard photos. I often change them to keep things fresh. Right now, I’m using driftwood, which I love for its natural look. My go-to spot for it is the James W. Trimble Lock & Dam (L&D 13) on the Arkansas River. After a rain, new pieces wash up, giving me plenty of options.
I focus on finding driftwood 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The goal is for the bird to be the star of the photo, not the perch. Sometimes, if a piece has an interesting shape, I use it even if it’s larger. The dark tones of the driftwood, especially when wet, work well. The contrast between the bird and the darker wood helps the bird’s colors stand out.
After a recent rain, I found a fantastic dark, twisted piece. It’s a perfect addition to my setup.
Why Driftwood?
The Arkansas River offers diverse driftwood. I look for dark wood to add depth to the photos, making the birds more prominent. Each piece has its own texture and character, creating interesting, unique images.
Driftwood perches blend well with the natural environment, which is important for the birds’ comfort. All the birds at my feeder like the driftwood perch. It’s easy to swap them, keeping things interesting for me and the birds.
Tips for Collecting Driftwood
If you’re planning to gather driftwood, keep these things in mind:
- Watch Your Step: Large rocks often cover the driftwood collection areas. Pay attention to your footing, especially after rain when everything is slippery.
- Look Out for Wildlife: In warmer months, watch for snakes hidden among rocks or near water.
- Choosing the Right Size: Aim for driftwood that’s 1 to 2 inches in diameter. It should serve as a good perch but not overwhelm the bird. The focus should always be on the bird.
Setting Up the Driftwood Perch
I use zip ties to attach the driftwood to my bird feeder poles. Currently, I have two metal poles set up with the driftwood between them and a feeder hanging from one. The setup is flexible; I could add another to the other pole if needed.
The birds don’t mind their perches as long as the seeds keep coming. It’s about keeping them happy and creating opportunities for great photos.
Summary
Creating bird perches from driftwood adds a natural element to backyard photography. Finding the right piece, setting it up securely, and watching different species use it is satisfying. It’s a simple way to add character to your photos while giving the birds a comfortable landing spot.
Have you tried using driftwood or natural perches in your backyard? I’d love to hear what works for you.
I, too collect interesting pieces of wood for my photo setups, whether it be driftwood or other small branches I find lying around. I also like stumps in which I drill holes and insert suet, or lay raw peanuts on top. These attract almost every bird in my yard, including woodpeckers and Flickers.
What a neat idea! Driftwood can be so pretty too.