Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 42 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) | 136 mm | 203 mm | 91 mm | 68 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 272 mm | 406 mm | 181 mm | 136 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 408 mm | 609 mm | 272 mm | 204 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 544 mm | 813 mm | 363 mm | 272 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 816 mm | 1,219 mm | 544 mm | 408 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,360 mm | 2,032 mm | 906 mm | 680 mm |
About the American Avocet#
The American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. This avocet spends much of its time foraging in shallow water or on mud flats, often sweeping its bill from side to side in water as it seeks its crustacean and insect prey....
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Reflections in calm shallow water make elegant frames.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in April and May, 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 Stilts and Avocets#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Avocet?
At about 42 cm long, an american avocet fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 272 mm, or at 20 m with 544 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Avocet?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Avocet?
Observations in North America peak in April and May. 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