Urban Nature Photography: A Guide to My Favorite Local Photography Spots
Common Grackle perched on top of a lamp post at Railroad Park
© Miranda Studstill
If you think you need a weekend getaway to the coast, mountains, or countryside in order to observe and photograph birds and other wildlife, think again. I live in a city, and at least 90% of my nature photography takes place within a few miles of my home. There are often several bird and insect-friendly habitats in any metro city or suburban downtown, and with more and more cities dedicated to creating and maintaining green spaces for their residents, it’s easier than ever to get lost in nature.
If you live in or near Birmingham, Alabama, this post may be helpful to you since my favorite spots for nature photography are likely convenient for you too. However, even if you don't live in my area, it may be helpful to get ideas and look for similar places where you live that may offer opportunities for photography, particularly if you live in an urban area.
Railroad Park
Railroad Park, a favorite among Birmingham residents, offers much more than a great view of the city skyline. The sizable lawn, bodies of water, and variety of native plants and grasses make Railroad Park a solid option for bird watching. I have photographed wading birds such as the Yellow-Crowned Night Heron and Green Heron around the water's edge. The expansive green space and close proximity to water are of great appeal to birds like the Killdeer, who have a preference for both of these qualities when choosing a nesting site. A wide variety of songbirds can be seen in the trees and bushes, or foraging on the ground during any given visit. In the summer, Giant Coneflowers, Irises, Lilies, and Roses are in bloom and this year, American Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Towhees, and several species of sparrows all chose to nest and raise their fledglings at the park. When the weather turns cold, flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers add a tiny pop of color to gray skies and bare landscapes as they typically choose to spend the winter months in the park.
Killdeer
© Miranda Studstill
American Robin with his fledglings
© Miranda Studstill
Avondale Park
Most locals know that Avondale Park is a great place to see geese, ducks, and pigeons, but many are surprised to know that several other species of birds can be seen here. With woods, water, and a habitat garden, it’s no wonder that this is a favorite spot for nature and bird photography. I often photograph dragonflies, butterflies, and bees at the park, in addition to birds that I have not seen in any other spot in the city. The spring that flows near the edge of the park has afforded several opportunities to see birds that typically hide high in the treetops when they come to the water to bathe or get a drink. The wooded area is the home to a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers, among other birds. The Rose and Habitat Garden has provided opportunities to photograph American Goldfinches and Orchard Orioles eating the seeds from the flowers, as well as countless macro shots of a variety of butterflies, bees, and other insects. I have even photographed a pair of Eastern Bluebirds preparing a nest in one of the birdhouses along the fence that surrounds the garden.
Red-headed Woodpecker
© Miranda Studstill
Orchard Oriole (female)
© Miranda Studstill
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The flowers are not the only thing that can be found in abundance at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The tall hardwoods, shaded woodland areas, and diversity of plants make this a favorite among birds, chipmunks, and other wildlife. Look up and find woodpeckers high in the tree tops. Look down and see sparrows and squirrels searching through fallen leaves for food. Dark-eyed Juncos and Cedar Waxwings can be seen in the winter here, while Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays can be seen year round. As the day warms up and the bird activity slows down, I like to focus on all of the opportunities for macro photography that the gardens offer. The gorgeous flowers and their many visitors - dragonflies, butterflies, bees, and other insects - provide many options for anyone wanting to practice their macro photography skills. I like to go here often because every season brings different flowers and trees that are in bloom, sometimes for only a short period of time.
Blue Jay
© Miranda Studstill
Blue Dasher Dragonfly on Water Lily
© Miranda Studstill
Crestwood Park
A source of running water, native plants, and several bushes and trees, make Spring a great time to visit Crestwood Park as many birds choose to use this site for their breeding grounds. American Robins and Chipping Sparrows can be seen with their fledglings looking for insects in the grass. The abundant hardwood trees make this park a great place to see birds like nuthatches and warblers. Walking along the edge of the creek during warm weather months, I often see songbirds bathing in the water and preening themselves in the nearby trees and shrubs. I sometimes even see a Green Heron hunting fish. On the visits to the park where I don't have much luck with the songbirds, I usually look up to see Hawks patrolling the park by air. Native plants and grasses in the park also provide opportunities for photographing insects and pollinators during spring and falll.
Green Heron
© Miranda Studstill
Tufted Titmouse bathing in the creek
© Miranda Studstill
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
With over 1,000 acres of land, Ruffner Mountain is one of the nation's largest non-profit urban nature preserves. As you might imagine, there is a lot of opportunity here for nature and wildlife photography. The Habitat Garden at the Nature Center has many beautiful native plants that bees, wasps, butterflies, and even lizards can't seem to resist. On any given day, one can observe several different species of pollinators hard at work in each section of the garden. A walk along any of the 14 miles of hiking trails provides opportunities to spot native birds and other wildlife. Ruffner Mountain is also a favorite spot of migratory birds, like the Summer Tanager. I enjoy hiking all of the trails at Ruffner, but my favorite hike is the one that leads to the wetlands. I often encounter a few butterflies along the way, and once I have arrived at the water, there are usually lots of opportunities to photograph birds, dragonflies, and frogs.
Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
© Miranda Studstill
Summer Tanager (female)
© Miranda Studstill
My House and Neighborhood
Even if you live in the heart of the city, you can take a quick stroll around the block and likely see aviary urbanites, like Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, Northern Mockingbirds, and House Sparrows. If you live in a neighborhood that has trees, shrubs, and lawns, you will likely have the opportunity to observe and photograph many common backyard birds. Grab your camera and take a stroll before or after work, when birds are typically active. You can also consider putting a few bird feeders in your yard and let the birds come to you. I have taken many of my favorite shots from the comfort of my own home. Also, consider planting some native plants. I photographed over 20 different species of pollinators in the course of one week this summer without ever leaving my front yard. Even with a postage stamp front yard like mine, a few native plants can go a long way in bringing a variety of interesting insects to your yard.
Northern Cardinal, taken in my backyard
© Miranda Studstill
Fiery Skipper, taken in my front yard
© Miranda Studstill