Every year, the arrival of cherry blossoms transforms parks and gardens into a burst of pink and white. For bird photographers, this is one of the most magical times to capture the Tui bird, a native songbird of New Zealand known for its iridescent plumage, white throat tufts, and melodic calls. When the blossoms bloom, Tui flock in for nectar, offering some of the most striking photographic opportunities of the year. Here are four tips to help you make the most of this fleeting season.
1. Choose the Right Spot on the Tree
Not all branches are created equal. Look for an area where a branch is covered in blossoms and has a soft background filled with colour. This not only helps balance the highlights but also frames the Tui in a way that enhances the pink hues throughout your image. A cluttered background can distract from the bird, whereas a thoughtfully chosen spot can create a dreamy, painterly effect.
2. Use Single-Point Focus for Precision
Cherry blossoms often overlap, and with Tui darting quickly between branches, autofocus can easily lock onto the wrong element. By switching to single-point focus, you give yourself greater control, ensuring the bird’s eye – the key focal point – remains sharp. This is especially important as soft blossoms and busy branches can trick your camera into focusing on something else.
3. Be Patient and Anticipate Movement
Tui are energetic feeders, often bouncing between blossoms in search of nectar. While you’ll inevitably end up with a few blurry shots, patience pays off. Observe their feeding patterns, they often return to the same branch or cluster of flowers. By anticipating where the bird will land, you’ll be ready to capture that decisive moment when it poses perfectly amid the blossoms.
4. Favour Overcast Days for Balanced Light
Bright, sunny conditions can create harsh shadows and blown-out highlights, particularly against pale blossoms. Overcast days are your friend. The diffused light allows the true colours of both the bird and blossoms to shine, producing a balanced and natural look. If the sun is strong, try positioning yourself so the bird is side-lit, helping to maintain texture and depth in the feathers.
Photographing Tui in cherry blossom trees is all about timing, patience, and attention to detail. The blossoms don’t last long, so when they’re in bloom, grab your camera and spend time immersed in the moment. With the right approach, you’ll come away with images that celebrate both the fleeting beauty of the season and the character of one of New Zealand’s most iconic birds.