redtop

Capturing Redtop on camera requires a different approach than moving wildlife; think of it as the 'stage' for your backyard theater. To get the best shots of its namesake reddish hues, position your camera at a low angle, roughly 12 to 18 inches off the ground, facing toward the morning or evening sun. The backlighting will make the delicate purple panicles glow, creating a stunning visual contrast against the green stalks.

Because Redtop attracts various insects and small herbivores, it is a great spot to set up a 'micro-trail' camera. Aim your lens at a dense patch near the edge of a meadow. You are likely to capture Meadow Brown butterflies, various beetles, and even small rodents like voles using the grass as a 'green tunnel' for protection from predators. Use a high-speed trigger or a video mode, as the grass swaying in the wind can often trigger false positives on lower-quality sensors; adjust your sensitivity to medium to avoid filling your SD card with wind-blown grass.

For those interested in the 'slow life' of the garden, Redtop is a perfect subject for time-lapse photography. Set your camera to take one photo every hour during the late spring and early summer. When played back, you can watch the dramatic rise of the flower stalks and the eventual 'blushing' of the seeds as they turn from green to deep red. This is also a great way to monitor how different animals interact with the grass throughout the day, from morning dew-drinkers to nocturnal foragers seeking cover.