birds at Centerparcs

[tumchy]

Thanks for that info....I might try the photography thing, seeing as we've all been saving up in tin banks....the grand opening of the banks might be tomorrow. I've been sneaking £20 notes in mine.
Looking forward to the badgercam....my spa session is already booked!
Your squirrel pic is amazing!

[BloomingMarvellous]

I went to Sherwood in it's very early days, they had some good idea's like No Cars on site, only to unload luggage within a certain time scale, if I remember rightly.

In those days we we're saving our Pound coins, times change, hope the Cars on site rule hasn't changed, but you might get run down by a drunk on a Bike.

[solus]

I heard from someone that stayed at one somewhere in the south recently that the cost of tea/coffee was extortionate...

[BloomingMarvellous]

It was 19 years ago, I forgot to pack my Daughters swim wear and paid loads of money for a Branded swimsuit. Enjoyed the Revolving Restaurant though, but It's a bit slow in Revolving and with Service.

[Jules001]

We went there in Sept 2009 and there is a relatively new bird hide, just past the cycle centre towards the car park and on the right hand side so new that it didn't appear on the maps they give you, but we managed to track it down eventually. There are a lot of feeders in quite a small area which are very close to the hide, too close to use binoculars effectively IMHO, but we were fortunate enough to have a pheasant stumble in while watching, but there was also a sparrowhawk which kept swooping down every so often and obviously scared everything off which then took a while to start coming back. Daughter loved seeing her first ever red squirrel in the flesh and I enjoyed seeing them again after many years.

Enjoy your stay

Jules

[Monika]

When we went to Whinfell two years ago, we took a filled birdfeeder with us to hang up outside the chalet and were rewarded by great spotted woodpeckers, a jay and a nuthatch as well as most of the tits. You will also see red squirrels there.

[Ragtime]

We visited Sherwood in early March. I made a habit of standing outside on the small seating area at the back of our chalet where I saw GS Woodpeckers, Treecreepers, and a pheasant sauntered past my feet, seemingly not bothered by my presence. Also a sparrowhawk landed on the fence about 10 feet away. Watched for quite some time before it spotted a blackbird and set off in persuit.

[tumchy]

Thanks for all the info...if the tea/coffee's expensive, then I'll just have to drink the Merlot!
That's a great idea about taking a birdfeeder...I'll do that.
I've also booked the wildlife photography course and booked "build a bird feeder" for my 5 year old grandson.
Now we just need to make up our minds whether to take bikes or hire them there.
Thanks again for all the information.

[geordie graham]

Been to Whinfell many times and going again in May.I always take 3 feeders,2 for sunflower hearts and 1 for general mix and also fat balls or make my own fat cake and also peanuts.These are then hung on the trees outside the lodge and then I set up the camera on the tripod.If you scatter the peanuts on the ground or on the decking outside the lodge it is a good chance you will the Red Squirrels coming right up to the lodge doors.Also get loads of birds including Woodpeckers Long Tail Tits and Siskins.Have a great time.

Graham

[tumchy]

I'm so looking forward to this wee break now. Maybe I should post this in a photography forum, but here goes.....does anybody use a remote control shutter release? I was thinking that I could set up the camera on the tripod, and use a remote and hope for the best.
I set up my own "hide" today. It was funny, I moved a couple of feeders and washed the windows of the garden shed and camped out in the shed for a wee while. Got a couple of pics of sparrows, but was hoping to get a close up of the blue tits. Have to see a window firm and get a window that opens.....this bird photography is getting more expensive by the day, LOL.
My hubby is fully expecting to come in one day and find me in full camoflage gear with my face blacked out an a hat covered in branches, lying prostrate on the ground!!!