RSPB reserves, Nature Reserves, WWT reserves

Gandalf · #1 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 03:45 PM

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

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 03:51 PM

You have just as much right to photograph them as folk have to view them from the hides as well as anywhere else on the reserves. As for tripods etc, some of the watchers / viewers have instruments that take up quite some space.

I'd say take what ever you want to take but just be mindful of others. I've never had a problem and never seen any anymosity from one watcher to one photographer and vice versa.

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 04:02 PM

I agree with Boddie,my experience in hides is limited,most
people use a clamp or monopod rather than a tripod but
I did manage to use my Benbo tripod once, everyone was
very amiable (just remember to turn the phone to silent)
If you aint sure ask(quietly)

glsammy · #4 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 04:04 PM

Yep, I agree with Boddie, I've never had any problems, quite the reverse. Many have offered their scopes for us to have a look.

Boddie · #5 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

Yep, I agree with Boddie, I've never had any problems, quite the reverse. Many have offered their scopes for us to have a look.

Although there was that time at Carsington with them er em noisy birders

nightshade · #6 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 05:26 PM

There was the Irishman with the telephone at Slimbridge....

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Although there was that time at Carsington with them er em noisy birders

which is why if you should happen to see say , a woodpecker , you should only mention it quietly....

Amber · #8 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

Yep, I agree with Boddie, I've never had any problems, quite the reverse. Many have offered their scopes for us to have a look.

I have noticed a strange fellow with a bigma on my travels before

Some of the birders have far larger tripods than photographers, but I've never encountered any conflicts. Birders often offer their scopes as Graham mentions, and quite a few are interested in the shots we've taken.

glsammy · #9 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Although there was that time at Carsington with them er em noisy birders

You can always get the odd rowdy exceptions!!

Can't imagine who your referring to.

glsammy · #10 (**permalink**) 18-02-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber

I have noticed a strange fellow with a bigma on my travels before

Some of the birders have far larger tripods than photographers, but I've never encountered any conflicts. Birders often offer their scopes as Graham mentions, and quite a few are interested in the shots we've taken.

A strange fellow with a Bigma? Yep, that sounds like me!

I'm always offering to show my shots, whether they want to see them or not!