bird of prey somerset

kaiser · #1 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 09:58 AM

hi im very new to this site as am i to wildlife photography, i have however set myself the mammoth task of photographing mostly birds of prey, i live in somerset (taunton) so have plenty of open countryside to explore and have found one or two sites with a good buzzard population, any one got any ideas of good places to go around my area, plus any tips on photographing these magnificent birds

any tips would be welcomed thanks

simon 23 somerset

pliers · #2 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 10:06 AM

I cant speak for all on here Simon, but as its breeding season i feel its not a good idea to pass on info about BOP on a public site. Sorry if this sounds negative but experience has taught me to put the welfare of birds first.

Perhaps later in the year after broods have fledged you can see family parties of buzzards together soaring on the thermals, and are seen often roosting on posts.

Long lenses are best keeps us away, and minimises disturbance, in the meantime you could visit a BOP center to practice your skills.

kaiser · #3 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 10:49 AM

oh thanks

what a great introduction to the site! im simply looking for good walks in the somerset area where i am likely to see these birds, i have no intention of disturbing anything or anyone and always stick to the paths, typical though as soon as a young photographer new to the hobby and looking for advice from much more experienced photographers appears you assume i'll be wrecking the country side to get my shot!

p.s i use a canon 20d with a newly purchased 75-300mm lens

Tursiops2 · #4 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 12:35 PM

Hi kaiser, welcome to WAB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiser

oh thanks
you assume i'll be wrecking the country side to get my shot!

I can't speak directly for pliers, but I doubt if that was his assumption

It's just a very sensitive issue, there are some unscrupulous people out there, and anybody with knowledge of the subject is going to be wary of giving too much information to a newcomer with unknown credentials. I'm sure your intentions are of the best, however.

I'm not a photographer, but I'm sure the WAB members who are will agree that photographing birds of prey is technically difficult, and is best achieved by getting to know your subject well first - the best wildlife photographers are also good naturalists.

It's many years since I lived in Somerset, so my local knowledge is well out of date, but I would have thought your best opportunities for "casual" shots of Buzzards would be on the high ground, i.e. Dartmoor, Exmoor, The Blackdowns, The Quantocks, and The Mendips. There are established raptor "watchpoints" in some of these areas. It might also be worth your while to visit the RSPB reserves at The RSPB: West Sedgemoor and The RSPB: Ham Wall

Hope this helps
T2

John D · #5 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiser

hi im very new to this site as am i to wildlife photography, i have however set myself the mammoth task of photographing mostly birds of prey, i live in somerset (taunton) so have plenty of open countryside to explore and have found one or two sites with a good buzzard population, any one got any ideas of good places to go around my area, plus any tips on photographing these magnificent birds

any tips would be welcomed thanks

simon 23 somerset

Hi Simon,
I note the 'task you have set' but photographing birds of prey isn't the best place to start if you are new to 'wild life photography'. It would be better if you started photographing 'garden varieties' first and having a go at photographing Gulls or similar, when in flight. Having practised on these you will be better able to tackle photographing 'birds of prey' later on in the year once the nesting period is over.
If you stay near to where there is a 'Red Kite visitor centre' it may be worth paying a visit as there will be plenty of opportunity to get a few shots.

John D
http://johnswildworld.zenfolio.com/

kaiser · #6 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 03:01 PM

thanks for the welcome, and the advice, i have always been a keen naturalist and have and will always respect the countryside and wildlife that call it home, the advice on practicing on easier birds seems a very good idea,

so thank you Tursiops2 and john d and look forward to some of your feed back once i get some of my very first pics on here,

BRILLIANT site by the way so glad i have stumbled across it

pliers · #7 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiser

thanks for the welcome, and the advice, i have always been a keen naturalist and have and will always respect the countryside and wildlife that call it home, the advice on practicing on easier birds seems a very good idea,

so thank you Tursiops2 and john d and look forward to some of your feed back once i get some of my very first pics on here,

BRILLIANT site by the way so glad i have stumbled across it

I have no apologies to make, re read what i have stated i offered good advice on times of year and a method for you to try out. Sadly you have taken it in the wrong way. Disturbance is not always intentional , but talking about possible sites where birds could be breeding alerts eggers and those that will take chicks.

The welfare of wildlife always should be put first, i am simply offering my advice as i see it, you dont have to take it.

GTH · #8 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 06:12 PM

A warm welcome Kaiser...and I know you weren`t asking about nesting sites....just the opportunity to get some shots.

Not living near you I am unable to help, except to say "always look up" and not always around. Buzzards and Sparrow hawks are more populated now, so it`s just a matter of time before you get your chance. Most of my good opportunities
have been in Scotland, and like all things, it`s a matter of patience and chance.

Enjoy your hobby, and best of luck...because that`s what you will need.

Have fun,

Geoff

wizzo · #9 (**permalink**) 23-03-2011, 07:27 PM

Hiya Simon and welcome to WAB. People on here, are naturally cautious about disclosing 'sensitive' information regarding birds of prey and of course scarce birds (or otherwise), that may be breeding right now. Please don't take it personally. Listen, watch and learn. Members will be more open and more prepared to help as you become established as a member of WAB. Have you considered joining an organisation or local group. You really couldn't be a much better place when it comes to birds and wildlife. I would go on a walk about and introduce yourself to other birders and ask questions. You'll find most of 'em a freindly bunch, who actually, love nothing better, than sharing their knowledge with like minded enthusiasts. Good luck, and please keep us posted - Wizzo

P.s...I'm not a million miles away from you!

sharky620ti · #10 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 12:21 AM

a local natural trust estate near me has a woodland bird hide that's been set up so people can watch small birds feeding (mainly blue tits) and as a result is visited several times a day by hunting sparrowhawks, its the only place i've been able to photograph sparrowhawks. this place is in north devon so maybe a tiny bit too far for you to travel but it might be worth checking to see if you have any similar places near you.