Garden Hide

[pressld2]

Thanks for the advice gents.

The proper hides are a bit beyond my budget for the moment although those Kingfisher shots justify the expense to me (if not my bank manager) many times over.

Never thought of using a changing tent but I'll definitely give that a go. Have you ever used it outside of your garden, glsammy?

I'd heard about using the car as a mobile hide before but never tried it until last month on a visit to Elmley Marshes. You can stop on the approach road to the reserve and the birds completely ignore you as long as you don't get out. I got some nice shots of Lapwing, Redshank, Little Egret and Red-legged Partridge. Missed a kestrel because I wasn't ready for it. At the beginning of the approach road there is a bridge with a cattle grid on it and the Kestrel was sitting on one of the bridge posts not ten feet from my window. All my gear was still in my camera bag on the back seat but he waited patiently while I got the camera out, attached the telephoto lens, switched on, removed the lens cap and slowly started to raise the viewfinder to my eye. Then it was "Time's up - adios!" and he took off and disappeared behind a bank. A lesson has been learned - next time I go I'll have evrything set up before leaving home.

[Roy C]

I can sit within 3 metres of my garden feeder out in the open with no cover what so ever and the birds take no notice as long as you dont make any sudden movements. I set my camera on a tripod ,sit on a comfy chair and wait for the birds to come. I have shot Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Wood Pigeon and blackbirds in the last few days using this method. It is suprising how tolerant the birds can be when there is food around as long as you do not make any sudden movements.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Yes, Me!
I purchased a changing tent from Argos. Cost £19.99. It's easily put up in few minutes. At first I made a hole in the front for my camera, but now I don't even bother to do that. I can sit in it, with the front rolled up, and the birds still come. Here's a link to it:
Shop for Changing Tent. at Argos.co.uk

I can recommend it.

That's a brilliant idea Graham Is there enough room for a laptop, flask and sandwiches ... I could work from one of these

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

That's a brilliant idea Graham Is there enough room for a laptop, flask and sandwiches ... I could work from one of these

No problem John, plenty of room for that lot!

I've not tried it anywhere away from home, not sure I'd dare! Although thinking about it, why not?

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by glsammy

No problem John, plenty of room for that lot!

I've not tried it anywhere away from home, not sure I'd dare! Although thinking about it, why not?

It doesn't look too bad at all Graham. I've certainly see a lot worse in the field! I think I might get one too

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

It doesn't look too bad at all Graham. I've certainly see a lot worse in the field! I think I might get one too

If you really want one John, all my local stores were out of stock, so I ordered one through the Argos Internet site. Cost an a bit extra for postage, but worth it.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by glsammy

If you really want one John, all my local stores were out of stock, so I ordered one through the Argos Internet site. Cost an a bit extra for postage, but worth it.

Cheers Graham, I'll check it out

[baronsdale]

Why not try one of these.

Freeland 2 Berth Camouflage Style Dome Tent FRT-269 from CyberCheckout online shop

They seem a bargain for just £12 + postage

I'm going to order one now.

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by baronsdale

Why not try one of these.

Freeland 2 Berth Camouflage Style Dome Tent FRT-269 from CyberCheckout online shop

They seem a bargain for just £12 + postage

I'm going to order one now.

I totally agree, they seem a real bargain. The only downside on this type to me would be the restricted height.

John

[jjdevon]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

I totally agree, they seem a real bargain. The only downside on this type to me would be the restricted height.

John

this company are also on ebay, at even cheaper prices, only by a couple quid but hey its a right ol bargain all the same. they have lots of tents and shelters.
jason