The popularity of bird photography is booming, and advances in digital technology have put stunning images within ever-easier reach. But with this reach comes the critical responsibility of protecting the birds we photograph. This is never more important than during nesting season, when birds are both doing their most important work—reproducing—and are at their most vulnerable. For some endangered and threatened species, the very fate of their population hinges on these nests. What follows are some basic guidelines that can enable us to get the nest shots we want without jeopardizing the well-being of the birds we love. Do your research Spend some time learning about your subject before you head out. What are the threats to the young? What do the birds eat? What eats them? Is the species a skittish, furtive nester? What is its conservation status? If your subject is threatened or endangered, minimizing your disturbance is even more critical. Successfully raising and...