Springwatch, in front of camera

camo · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 12:20 AM

We are all familar with the fabulous work the Springwatch team do but in the summer I had chance to see them from in front of the camera.

I was in Aviemore looking for the iconic Osprey shot when Springwatch turned up on the opposite bank to me. It was strange to see the crew from the animals side of the camera.

For those who want the Osprey shot PM me and I will forward a contact who can put you on the spot. As I was there for the weekend I met them a couple of times and then by chance stumbled on a Channel 4 camera crew at the nearby Highland Wildlife Centre filming the birth of mountain goat. The crew had been filming the goat for two weeks and it gave birth 20 minutes after I arrived. I guess i was just lucky. Technically the goat isn't a British species so forgive me for including one of the birthing sequence.

Roy

Poirot · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 08:41 AM

Wow thats lucky, did you see the osprey they were filming?

camo · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 09:13 AM

Hi Poirot

Yes over the course of a day I was able to see one succesful dive and several misses. I did get some photographs but I was genberally disapointed in my results. This was largely down to my own shortcomings and partly down to low light conditions. I have posted some pictures although I am aware of their shortcomings.

To give you a bit of background the camera set up in front of the hide is the one Simon King spoke about as the fastest video in the world and the he used to slow down and analyse the Osprey dive. Another point perhaps not obvious is that although Simon is not in the picture I saw him on site a couple of times over the weekend. I might also add that the camera team (before and after filming) were all very approachable and happy to passionately about some of their activities.

Roy

camo · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 09:18 AM

Sorry i mean't to ask if any members have ever seen a film on Channel 4 showing the birth of the Goats 2 kids. I haven't not particularly looked out for it but have certainly not noticed it.

Roy

Poirot · #5 (**permalink**) 02-02-2009, 09:03 AM

You sholdn't be so critical these images are brilliant. I know how hard it is the capture an image of Ospreys, as I once tried to photograph one, and its so hard as they just suddenly dive without warning, and without a bright day you cannot put your camera on too fast a shutter speed meaning the picture blurs.