Timothy grass

Capturing Timothy grass on camera requires a shift in perspective compared to filming animals. Rather than waiting for a visit, use the grass as a dynamic element in your framing. To get the most striking shots of the 'cat's tail' seed heads, mount your camera at a low angle, about 18 to 24 inches off the ground. This upward angle makes the grass appear majestic against the sky and is perfect for capturing the small birds, like goldfinches or sparrows, that frequently perch on the stalks to eat the seeds in late summer.

Lighting is your best friend when filming this species. Position your camera so it is facing toward the sunrise or sunset (backlighting). When the sun is low, the fine bristles (awns) of the seed head will catch the light, creating a glowing 'halo' effect. If you are using a trigger-based camera, be mindful of the wind. A stiff breeze can cause the tall stalks to sway violently, potentially triggering hundreds of empty videos. To avoid this, set your camera's sensitivity to 'medium' or use a 'Time Lapse' mode instead of a motion trigger to document the grass swaying gracefully over several hours.

For those interested in macro-wildlife, Timothy grass is a hub of activity. If your camera has a close-focus lens, aim it at the base of the grass clumps in the early morning. You are likely to capture dew-covered spider webs or various species of beetles and caterpillars that use the leaves for transit. The broad leaves of Timothy grass also make excellent 'landing pads' for butterflies; if you have a patch near a water source, aim your camera there to catch them basking in the sun between flights.