Wildlife Photography at Leighton Moss

My husband and I are regulars at Leighton Moss. The reserve is, indeed, if not the top favourite, definitely one of our 3 most favourite RSPB reserves. Massive variety of species, lovely walks in the forest, adorable visitor friendly robins (can't not mention them and everybody who's visited will know what I am talking about), fantastic group of staff and volunteers - all very helpful - well, I can't sing the praises of the reserve enough whatever I say. We usually stay around the forest to photograph birds. For wildlife photographers the forest is simply paradise on earth. Yesterday, however, we visited Causeway hide for the first time since it got revamped in the hope of taking some photos of the otters. They did not oblige but there was activity to be observed. A pair of mergansers, a pair of courting grebes, a lovely group of tufted ducks and then all the other usual suspects. Gratefully the male marsh harrier and one of his ladies made some fantastic guest appearances. But here is the catch: much as we enjoyed seeing the birds, their appearance was great for bird watchers but not for wildlife photographers. The reason: distance. What I am about to propose is valid not just for Leighton Moss but for other reserves too. I am posting it here in the hope that it will get considered or escalated to the appropriate people. The hides as they currently stand are mainly designed for bird watchers but not for wildlife photographers. However, with small tweaks both can be accommodated. I am putting below a list of suggested tweaks (dare I hope it could be photographers' Xmas list?): Flat window sills / window openings: this was very much the case in the old hide (Public) but not the new one (Causeway). The window frames are at an angle with the wood frame of the window and as a result photographers can't rest and stabilise heavy lenses there. If that is not possible spaces for tripods very close to windows (i.e. without the elbow resting plank) will be greatly appreciated. Lower level openings: these are essential for eye level photography of the wildlife in the mere. Wildlife photographers don't mind crawling, lying down or getting into any conceivable twist in order to take the most flattering photo of their subject (dig them tunnels and they'll happily crawl in there and patiently wait for ages to get their ideal shot). The window openings as they are designed are perfect for people sitting and enjoying the view but give rather unflattering photography angles of the wildlife below. Hides (or platforms to erect portable photography hides) nearer some of the most 'distant' wildlife or their 'area', even if these have controlled access. I fully appreciate all these proposals have a cost but I am confident that wildlife photographers would not turn their back at the opportunity of getting great quality photos if, for instance, there was a higher membership fee for photographers to offset the cost indicated. Let's not forget that a good photograph is indeed 'worth a thousand words'. What would better advocate the case for wildlife than good quality, impressive photography? In the meantime, enjoy a little glimpse of the harriers I managed to photograph yesterday with a tele lens from Causeway (distance being the issue... ):