I had asked a while ago for advice on photographing Chickadees. I got lots of useful advice on setting up blinds, use of long lenses, remote triggers, etc. It turns out that what I needed was a pocket full of sunflower seeds.
Taken with a 60D, 100L macro lens, ISO320....while using the camera one handed
This is the full picture, no cropping.
Hi, I've managed it with Blue Tits, Great Tits, Thrushes and I'm now working on a Robin.
For most birds Mealyworms are the way to go, obviously they must be insect eaters.
I get the birds to associate me with food and can call some with a whistle (through my lips).
Some even sit on the patio and call me if there is no other food out.
The best time is coming up when they are in feeding stress with their young, then they are easier
to "Persuade". Keep fairly quiet, provide a safe place for them to feed (where you sit) and try to give
them a reproducable situation at the start, makes them less nervous.
A good way to start is a white saucer with a few worms on it under/near the normal feeding spot,
they'll notice the movement pretty quickly. Then you move the saucer gradually in your direction.
Going onto my hand was a big step for most birds, but they would fairly quickly sit in the bush next
to me and take worms out of my hands, while still sat on a branch.
And in the end you keep hold of the worm, meaning it gets torn apart between your fingers, but keeping
the bird closer for a longer period.
Here's fluffy, been a around a while now.
Cheers