Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 22 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) | 251 mm | 370 mm | 167 mm | 125 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 502 mm | 741 mm | 334 mm | 251 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 752 mm | 1,111 mm | 502 mm | 376 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,003 mm | 1,481 mm | 669 mm | 502 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,505 mm | 2,222 mm | 1,003 mm | 752 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 2,508 mm | 3,704 mm | 1,672 mm | 1,254 mm |
About the Northern Shrike#
The northern shrike (Lanius borealis) is a large songbird species in the shrike family (Laniidae) native to North America and Siberia. Long considered a subspecies of the great grey shrike, it was classified as a distinct species in 2017. Six subspecies are recognised.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Hunt from exposed perches like fence posts and wires.
- Bird-eye AF with continuous focus (AF-C/AI Servo); fill at least a third of the frame.
- Sightings peak in January, March, November 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.
More Shrikes#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Northern Shrike?
At about 22 cm long, a northern shrike fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 502 mm, or at 20 m with 1,003 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Northern Shrike?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Northern Shrike?
Observations in North America peak in January, March, November 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