My Gallery
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way." John Muir
Minsmere's Island Mere hide has an underneath that can be used by photographers to get lower angle shots. It isn't ideal in that it's not always easy to get to if the water level is high (the access is regularly several inches deep in water) but it at least shows that when new hides are being planned, consideration is being given to photographers. Mind you, once all the reeds grow up in summer, you can't see a thing from down there :-)
___
Find me on Flickr / All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index
You know I am writing down everything you say Joe, thank you so much for the info. Minsmere on my list to visit! As for the water I don't think any photographer would mind, we are all used to waiting and shooting in extreme conditions. That's why I said that most bird watchers would find these conditions at least uncomfortable.
Actually, if last weekend was anything to go by, you'd be in danger underneath Island Mere from a Bittern attacking your shoelaces....
www.rspb.org.uk/.../136235.aspx
Unknown said: I think RSPB are charging for the use of certain facilities anyway. For instance we were told that we had to pay to visit the Mull Eagle nest observatory hide. Personally I don't mind, it's all going for a good cause and God knows we've robbed our wildlife from so much habitat, food etc that whatever we give back is a blessing! In any case your point is well taken!
I think RSPB are charging for the use of certain facilities anyway. For instance we were told that we had to pay to visit the Mull Eagle nest observatory hide. Personally I don't mind, it's all going for a good cause and God knows we've robbed our wildlife from so much habitat, food etc that whatever we give back is a blessing! In any case your point is well taken!
If that's the case it is completely wrong. I paid over £1,300 approx about 4-5 years ago to become a life member of the RSPB and have been an RSPB member since about 1973, as well as giving regular donations and so I don't expect to be charged for these visits,
Regards,
Ian.
Unknown said:If that's the case it is completely wrong
As with many things in life, I think it depends. To get to Havergate Island reserve you have to go on the RSPB boat, so even as a member there's a charge (RSPB members do get a discount). That doesn't feel unreasonable to me. I haven't visited the Mull hide mentioned by Marina, so can't comment specifically on it, but I think I too would be a bit niggled if I walked in the door and saw a charge having got used to my membership giving access everywhere else. I should be on Mull later this year so I'll have to see what I feel like at the time :-)
Update.... I've just gone looking for info on the Mull hide. It isn't really a RSPB site as such, it's a partnership with a number of other organisations, so that explains the charge. Don't feel niggled now :-)
http://www.holidaymull.co.uk/mull/eagle-watch
Yes, I didn't mean 'better' hides for photographers, but hides designed specifically for photography (birders generally prefer a wider view to see every distant corner, so higher elevation, serious togs want the eye-level views and don't really care about the more distant birds). Also the means to book a guaranteed space for a long stretch of time. If a 'normal' hide is busy you need to keep your stay short to give new arrivals a chance to sit and watch (unless you're selfish/oblivious!), but if it's done on bookings that won't be an issue.
My blog: http://mazzaswildside.blogspot.co.uk/
My Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124028194@N04/
Joe that's brill, well done! I was rolling in laughter. And the photos are fantastic!
I've read some of the above and have mixed feelings.
If I thought somewhere had a hide that would give really good photos I might, repeat might, make a small payment for it's use.
To me however the real pleasure of wild life photography is having the luck and/or skill to be in the right place at the right time.
I watch some people with cameras"gallop" from hide to hide. They don't see anything along the way!
I watch the likes of Gordon Buchanan who make use of the natural surroundings to get their photos.
Going back to the subject of paying for hides. If they weren't there you wouldn't use them so if you don't want to pay, don't use them.
Get pleasure from what is available. Make the most of it whether you want to watch wildlife or photograph it or both.
The world ain't ever going to be perfect for everyone! Enjoy it, it's the only one we've got!
Well, I suppose different people enjoy nature in different ways Alfoz, surely there is nothing wrong with that? Again, there is nothing wrong with asking for things to improve when one feels there is room for improvement.