RSPB reserves, Nature Reserves, WWT reserves

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Gandalf

Moderator If I have posted this in the incorrect forum I apologise.
RSPB reserves, Nature Reserves, WWT reserves
Regarding photographing at/in any of the above type places. What's the correct way of doing things so's not to offend those who are only there to observe birds and not photograph them? Don't wish to tread on anyone's toes!
e.g. Is it allowed to photograph from inside the 'residential' hides that are on the property and if so, hand-held or can you put up your heavy Gitzo or other suitable camera support?

I intend to visit some of my local sites in the near future as I'm getting back into 'wildlife' photography now I've retired and would like to be well equipped with knowledge of what is acceptible and what is not.

I would also like to improve my knowledge of British birds as well as photographing them.

Many thanks for your replies.

Gandalf: per digitus ad astra

I have had the same experience as the other guys, i.e. no problems from birders, in fact more and more of them are becoming digiscopers. Regards your tripod, I would suggest a mixed blessing, more often than not I find it an inconvenience, I prefer a bean bag in a hide. Trouble is if you only take the bean bag you will find some occasion where you wished you had got the tripod! As a compromise if I am new to an area I would put the tripod in the car and if it became necessary I would go back and get it. Jon

[glsammy]

Dont forget the good old mono-pod. Doesn't get in anyones way, and when adjusted right, wedged against the floor and shelf, it's as steady as a tripod.

[Ollie]

I just collapse the tripod and find it fits very nicely under the shelves out of harms way and any stray feet. As for birders in hides, I have met some great people who are just birders not photographers who I still keep in touch with and enjoy the occaisonal day out with. They all seem to be a very friendly lot and can often offer some good ID tips etc.
Roger

[Kev Lewis]

I would add a comment about the suitability of reserve hides for photography. They have almost, without exception, been designed for birders and binoculars. Very few have been designed for using the fast big lens. Most of the time I use a tripod because I can't support the lens on the window sill with a bean bag. I would add that I know times are changing with some reserves now actively looking at retrofitting larger windows and the newer hides do allow larger lens to be used.

My other gripe is the height of the windows lol From a birders point of view an elevated position does provide the best view of an area. From a photographic viewpoint I hate photographing the top of heads and would love to see some viewing positions right down level with the water.

The previous comments on being quiet and considerate to the other hide users are very valid. Especially re the phones lol

[Blackdog]

I agree with Kev about the size of the windows in the hides. Most of the hides at Slimbridge (my local site) are just big enough for a 100-400 pump. They were clearly designed for birders before most of us were into photography, or could afford decent camera kit.

Would I be right in thinking that the WWT hides were for members only a few years ago? I had quite a long break from wildlife things until recently, and have a vague recollection of a members only policy in the early eighties at Slimbridge. Or am I imagining things again

[Gandalf]

Can I say a big thank you to everyone who took the trouble to answer my post. A lot is, of course, common sense and I found it interesting about the hight of the sills in various hides - hadn't considered that. Luckily I am fortunate to have a lot of good gear including, monopod, tripod, window mount and ergorest mount to choose from so it will be a matter of going to some sites initially to see what my best options are. Very informative, thank you very much and much appreciated.

Gandalf: per digitus ad astra