Bellymack Hill Farm-Red Kites

[Wolfhill]

I was just wondering if anyone has ever been to Bellymack Hill Farm red kite feeding station near Laurieston and is it any good for photography? Also does anyone know of any other good sites for wildlife photography in Dumfries?

[Chris_Johnstone]

Hey Fergus,

I've been twice. It's definitely worth a visit! I went late last year and in the crisp winter light you can get some great shots - some of which are on my site. The only drawback is the RSPB or whoever built a south-facing hide so in the afternoon, when the kites are fed, you are looking directly at the sun.

However you can stand at the car park and shot from the fence/benches facing more north west. There is a feeding table positioned quite a bit aay from the fence but within the reach of a 400-500mm lens but mostly you can get birds coming closer in flight, so fly right above you. Some of the food is scattered on the ground but it's very difficult to see exactly where and get a shot. I found that I would lose patience manual focussing on a particular point and missing out on what was going on above me.

I would recommend going back a few times and getting there an hour or so before feeding starts. I'm guessing you'll have an early start if you're traveling from Perthshire.

Many of the kites have tags on their wings but there are a few that don't so you need to keep a look out! The lady that feeds the kites is very friendly and I half thought of asking her if I could go nearer the table but thought against it.

Let me see the fruits of your labour.

Chris

[Wolfhill]

Thanks for the info Chris, now I just need to convince my dad to take me Looking at your great photos it seems like they are fairly tolerant of people? I can't wait now!

[BillyPilgrim]

If you can get a few miles further South there is the Wigtown Bay nature reserve and viewing hide. I meant to go there last year when I was staying nearby but never got around to it. A friend who has a guest house up there said that it was well worth a vist.

I'm going back at the end of May for a week so will probably see the Kites and Wigtown Bay.

[Wolfhill]

Thanks for the info, anyone else know of any good sites for wildlife photography in dumfries?

[peterjclarke]

Fergus, Argaty would be much closer and less than an hour away on the A9.
Argaty Red Kites

Peter

[Wolfhill]

Thanks Peter, I've been intending to go to Argaty for a while now, its just that I will be down in dumfries monday-friday so I trying to find some places to get some shots while I'm down there. Thanks for the info though.

[wildmanofthewoods]

Originally Posted by Wolfhill

Thanks for the info, anyone else know of any good sites for wildlife photography in dumfries?

Hi Wolfhill, WWT have a reserve at Caerlaverock, maybe a little late now but still might be worth a visit if your in the area, the RSPB reserve at Loch Ken, is good for Red Squirrels and Woodpeckers, also Pied Flycatchers a little later in the year. The forests in the area are good for wildlife, Deer, Red Kites, Red Squirrels, Dragonflies etc, oh and keep an eye out for the Beast of Galloway.
If you do go further west try the Wood of Cree near Newton Stewart. I had many Otter sightings there, also chance of Hen harrier at this time of year.
Happy snappin

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by wildmanofthewoods

Hi Wolfhill, WWT have a reserve at Caerlaverock, maybe a little late now but still might be worth a visit if your in the area, the RSPB reserve at Loch Ken, is good for Red Squirrels and Woodpeckers, also Pied Flycatchers a little later in the year. The forests in the area are good for wildlife, Deer, Red Kites, Red Squirrels, Dragonflies etc, oh and keep an eye out for the Beast of Galloway.
If you do go further west try the Wood of Cree near Newton Stewart. I had many Otter sightings there, also chance of Hen harrier at this time of year.
Happy snappin

at caerlavrock you can get good shots of oyster catcher (frame filling on a 500mm ) from the mini hide oposite the visitor centre - to the right of the picnic barn - however be advised that this hide is made from a plastic container and will be very hot if it sunny - also take plenty of anti midge stuff.

if you have a fast focussing lens , there are also good ops on swallows and martins in flight arround the buildings and from the viewing tower as they nest on all of the above and esp. from the tower you can get them incoming to the nest. (assuming they are their yet - i was their first week in may)

[outdoors]

caerlavrock is a great day oot,i was there a couple of months ago with my family,my son really enjoyed the day..it's a great place to visit.i recommend it a great day oot ,well worth a visit

[Steve S]

I wasn't aware of the Bellymack Hill Farm site for red kites, but it sounds very interesting, and closer to my home than Gigrin. As for Chris Johnstone's comment about RSPB and south facing hides, it appears to be an endimic problem for them. The number of times I've been to a RSPB reserve to find myself staring into the sun at mid-day is more than my fingers and toes can count.

Steve.

[rongee]

hi newbie here, what anti midge stuff do you recommend? thanks

[eeyore]

i'd use avon skin so soft - though be aware that a few people (inc my better half) are allergic too it.

[Blackbrook Eye]

Originally Posted by rongee

hi newbie here, what anti midge stuff do you recommend? thanks

Ive used ' Jungle formula ' for many years and found it very effective, without making you smell like a tarts bathroom, I used to suffer very badly from midge bites in the past, as they usually turn ceptic on me and this is the best remedy I have found that is easily available over the counter from pharmacies.
Keith