birds of prey pictures

[Peano]

After I looked at the gallery and all the amazing birds of prey pictures I bought a decent lens last October with a view to photographing Buzzards (of which there are normally plenty around these parts) Kestrels (ditto brackets) and other birds of prey (there are sparrowhawks and the odd falcon) but since getting the lens they have been heading for the hills! Yesterday I managed to come across 2 buzzards but as soon as they saw me and my camera they were off.

Does anybody have any hints on how to take birds of prey pictures of these fantastic birds in the wild? I have taken loads of other bird pics, some of which I am quite chuffed at (mallard eating a fish (weird value), water rail (pics posted)). Cheers in anticipation.

[Alan]

Try this thread from last week:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...otography.html

[Peano]

Thanks very much for the link to last weeks discussion. I know that it will take time to 'get to know' the birds and their habits and a lot of patience will be needed. It's just so frustrating when the little darlings float off into the distance without any regard for me or the hedges, roads, rivers and railways that I need to cross to keep up with them - which I didn't!!!
I am looking forwards to that one good shot though, I have seen so many stunning photos of birds on this and other sites that I feel compelled and determined to persevere.

[Kev Lewis]

Bottom line to photographing any wildlife is get to know their routines and then position yourself in the right area and wait ... ... and wait. You can improve your chances by baiting out areas that you know they are in but it boils down to being patient.

My kingfisher in a hover shots were only captured after well over 100 hours of waiting for them and photographing them

[haddonite]

.......as some of you guys know already, I'm attempting to photograph a Buzzard which visits the field behind my house, and sits on a solitary post in that field for ages, on most days.

Going on from what's been said about baiting, how close to that post should I put bait?

Neil

[Kev Lewis]

two options that I would suggest:

1. put the bait on the post and position yourself upwind of the post because a bird of prey will normally land into wind so would be facing you when it lands on the bait.

2. place the bait 10-15' from the post and position yourself another 15-20' upwind from the bait, The bop will normally lands facing you both on the post and on the bait.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Klewis

two options that I would suggest:

1. put the bait on the post and position yourself upwind of the post because a bird of prey will normally land into wind so would be facing you when it lands on the bait.

2. place the bait 10-15' from the post and position yourself another 15-20' upwind from the bait, The bop will normally lands facing you both on the post and on the bait.

Just to add to these great suggestions, always consider the background in baiting situations - and all others for that matter. A nice mid tone one makes the colours stand out.

[haddonite]

Thank you, again Kev!

It's a good job you don't get fed up with my daft questions

Neil

[haddonite]

I'm going to have to put up with a green background on this occasion, Alan. Its in a pasture field, which is a 'shallow bowl' in shape.

Neil

[Alan]

Originally Posted by haddonite

I'm going to have to put up with a green background on this occasion, Alan. Its in a pasture field, which is a 'shallow bowl' in shape.

Neil

Better than a motorway or farm buildings etc!

[carlj]

Isn't it best to peg the bait to the ground to prevent the buzzard from just sweeping down and off with a free meal?

[Kev Lewis]

quick answer is yes carlj, but it makes me nervous about accidently entangling the bird so personally I wouldnt do it

[Peano]

Thanks to all for your uselful and interesting tips and comments. Most of my sightings of buzzards, hawks etc have been by chance, it is only this last week or so that I have attempted to actually track them down. Baiting does sound a good idea and something I will perhaps consider if I do not get any results. I really do take your point Klewis, regarding time and patience (the Kingfisher shots are a very high standard to aspire to), it did take 20years or more for me to get the Water Rail!! Many thanks to all again.

[haddonite]

Originally Posted by Klewis

Bottom line to photographing any wildlife is get to know their routines and then position yourself in the right area and wait ... ... and wait............

Good point, Kev! Sat all weekend for the buzzard, but unfortunately it was a 'no show' Came home from work on Tuesday, and there it sat on the usual post in the field! (smiling,I shouldn't wonder!)

Ah well, another day perhaps.................

Neil

[carlj]

Replace Buzzard with Kingfisher, Red Kite, Fallow Deer, etc

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Klewis

quick answer is yes carlj, but it makes me nervous about accidently entangling the bird so personally I wouldnt do it

If you use hooked/hooped shaped steel pegs and push them through the bait into the ground, you don't then need to use string and they're also less visible.

[kreed]

I've wondered about baiting, but for Buzzards, Kestrels & Red Kites i've not had a need to.
I've no qualms about giving away my secrets, so if you can get to an area off the A43 Corby to Stamford road, signed for Benefield/Deene, there is an old airfield where up to 40 Kite roost. The back road is a haven, with ploughed fields & sheep, along with a dung heap! The kites drop to 20 feet above the road & there are spots you can park. I've taken the best part of 2000 pics here (about 5 good ones!).
I'll be there again tomorrow, Silver Mondeo