Hide photography Slimbridge and chew valley lakes

[Naturenutz]

Hi folks,after some advice .I am not new to slimbridge,been there a good few times over the years.This year i have taken up photography far more seriously than in previous years.As its only 15miles from me i intend to go there quite regular this autumn/winter.What i would like to know is what can i expect find from the hides or the pathed lakes.I went recently although not armed with a long lens,and all i saw from the hides were mallards,everything else was to distant ,even for a long lens . I had some great photo,s of the more common birds on the inland lakes though eg gulls,moorhen etc.I would love a chance of something a tad more unusual.Any pointers or advice would be greatly appreciated so i can get the most out of my time while there..Also does anyone have any experience of chew valley lake hides ? I know its a popular birding spot.
I am new too long lens photography,but familiar with macro and landscape.
I have the severn estuary near by which i intend to investigate with my long lens(sigma ) which i am about to purchase but would appreciate any tips for hide photography.
many thanks
vic

[wizzo]

Hi Vic! Like you, I'm from Bristol. I can't tell you much about Slimbridge I'm afraid. However, I do know that you have to buy a permit to use the hides on Chew. I believe these run annually, so there is an optimum time to buy one of these. As for advice on the best hides to use etc, I'd pop into lakeside optics (located in the main picnic area) and ask there. The guys there are real enthusiasts and are always willing to help. in fact, you may be able to purchase a permit at the shop, as well as the Lodge on Woodford bank. I usually spend most weekends on Perigrine point (Durdham Down). The other birders there, are very helpfull and knowledgable about the local area, and would be pleased to help you. Just pop along sometime! Wizzo

[Wizmatt]

I have been to Slimbridge once, earlier this year. Am I right in thinking that most of the hides overlook the estuary and therefore habitat for waders?

For waders the best time is autumn through to winter as many migrate north to breeding grounds for summer and arrive to their wintering grounds along the coast in the autumn. This may explain why you didn't see an awful lot on your last trip.

[Naturenutz]

Thanks for your replies wizzo and wizmatt.Ill just put in the hours and hopefully the birdies will turn up

[artdemole]

Have been to Chew Valley Lake twice since July.The trails are very good for all insects and bird life.Also good for wild flowers and trees.The water was low at last visit but recent rains should have made a difference to levels.Cost of permit for one day for the hides is £2.50 daily. There is excellent map and information of sightings at...CVL Birding....

[Rhodes Family]

Hi,

I’m also from the West Country and I have a bit of knowledge about Slimbridge (only just) but not Chew.

You’re right in thinking you will need a long lens for Slimbridge. There are several hides that overlook the estuary and marsh/mudflats/lakes, and one, named “the kingfisher hide” which is situated looking out onto a river at the far NW corner of the reserve, has had many sightings.

Open in the summer (check website below for timings)they open up a “Summer walkway” along the estuary, which if timed right, may get you close(ish) to the high-tide roosts. (Well, better than any of the hides!!)

The WWT also run day photography courses for about £60. I recently went on one and it was brilliant. They take you onto private land to a wader high tide roost for the morning where you’re greeted by a field of cows, but as the waders start to fly in, there are knots, curlews, plover and many more within close reach of a telephoto.
Then the afternoon is a bit of car work, shooting out of a window around the “wild reserve” which as its name suggests isn’t open to the public so on our occasion there were kingfisher, snipe, grass snake, brown hair, yellow wagtail and many more sightings.

Slimbridge - Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

Take a look at their website first; they have a sightings page on it as well info if anything of interest crops up, along with the usual bird counts. There is also a site map on there to pre plan etc.

That said; don’t forget to pack a range of lenses. If you don’t mind captive subjects, there is ample opportunity to get close ups in the rightly named “close encounters” section with Nene and other wildfowl literally at your feet!

Finally, in the winter, as the starlings start their roosting in the marshes all across Gloucester and the Somerset levels, Slimbridge is open for great views and the huge flocks swirl around in the golden, sunset sky...well worth a visit at least once to actually believe your eyes!

One more bonus’ is if you are a member of the WWT and have the WWT card, its free entry to all their reserves across the country.

Hope that helps, Alex

[Naturenutz]

Wow thats great info there chaps.I shall take all that info on board.I have also looked on the chew valley birding site
CVL BIRDING - September 2010
At the bottom of this page is a photograph of cormorants and a kingfisher on a fallen tree.I think this is one of best wildlife shots i have ever seen.

[Rhodes Family]

Yeah – I like it too. Suddenly the kingfisher which always gets the photographers attention seems...overpowered?!!

I’m off to explore Chew Valley lake and Blagdon soon, so I’ll try to report back some time.


Cheers, Alex.

[Naturenutz]

Thanks for your detailed earlier post alex , some very useful info.I know chew and blagdon very well as i am prone to bouts of fly fishing .Although i have never used the hides before.I am looking at buying a long lens for birds and am trying to gain some good knowledge of places to shoot from in advance .
I Will look out for any news from your trip to chew/blagdon.Looks a good time to visit with lots of passage birds..