The photohides for badgers, birds of prey and forest birds

Photo hide I: Badgers, birds of prey, forest birds

This hide is designed for photographing badgers during spring and late summer/autumn. It is also the primary hide for capturing images of goshawks, buzzards, and forest birds.

The hide features four photo holes, each equipped with mounting plates for ball heads. There are also bean bags available for those who prefer to use them. Additionally, there are two bottom photo holes that can be useful when photographing badgers or raptors, and forest birds drinking.

The hide is designed to accommodate two people. Both can stay overnight with sleeping bags and sleeping pads, although it will be a bit snug. For a single person, there is ample space for an overnight stay with a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Outside the hide, there is a water feature for both badgers and birds, where badgers come to drink. The hide is equipped with artificial lighting, allowing you to use the light for fill, creative low-key effects, or as ”fake” daylight.

To ensure comfort, the hide has a heater for the coldest months, keeping it warm and cozy. It also has fans to use on the hottest days or to remove condensation from the photo holes when it’s cold outside but warm inside during winter.

Photo hide II: Badgers

This hide is designed for photographing badgers during spring and late summer/autumn. It is also the primary hide for capturing images of goshawks, buzzards, and forest birds.

The hide features four photo holes, each equipped with mounting plates for ball heads. There are also bean bags available for those who prefer to use them. Additionally, there are two bottom photo holes that can be useful when photographing badgers or raptors, and forest birds drinking.

The hide is designed to accommodate two people. Both can stay overnight with sleeping bags and sleeping pads, although it will be a bit snug. For a single person, there is ample space for an overnight stay with a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Outside the hide, there is a water feature for both badgers and birds, where badgers come to drink. The hide is equipped with artificial lighting, allowing you to use the light for fill, creative low-key effects, or as ”fake” daylight.

To ensure comfort, the hide has a heater for the coldest months, keeping it warm and cozy. It also has fans to use on the hottest days or to remove condensation from the photo holes when it’s cold outside but warm inside during winter.

Rules & Etiquette in the Hide

Trash & Waste: Visitors are required to take all trash out of the hide. No waste should be left inside the hide or its surroundings.

Leave the Hide as You Found It: You are expected to leave the hide in the same condition as when you arrived.

Damage or Improvements: As a visitor, you are encouraged to report any damage or suggestions for improvements to the hide. This helps ensure a safe and comfortable photo experience for everyone.

Restroom Visits: Currently, there are no facilities for ”number two” restroom visits. You can urinate in a large white bucket located near the hide. Please place the bucket outside the hide when you are done.

Turn Off Lights: Visitors are asked to turn off all lights when leaving the hide.

Do Not Hang Items Over the Heater: It is strictly prohibited to hang anything over the heater. This is to avoid any potential safety hazards and maintain the safety standards of the hide.

Mounting Ball Heads: The photo hide is equipped with specially designed plates with 3/4-inch screws for easy and stable mounting of ball heads. Please bring your own ball head.

Bean Bags: One to two bean bags are available in each hide.

How to get the best images

Badger, Raptors, and Other Forest Birds: Rules & Etiquette in the Hide: How to get the best images

Badger:

Silence is Key: Badgers are shy, so maintain silence to avoid scaring them away. Avoid banging or loud noises, and speak quietly (whisper).

Avoid Movements That May Startle: Do not extend arms outside the hide or make sudden movements that might scare the badger. Small, calm movements with your camera are recommended. Larger Movements When Feeding or Drinking: Larger camera movements should be done while the badger is eating or drinking, as it will be less likely to be disturbed by camera movements during these times.

Lighting Use: Badgers do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Generally, badgers are not afraid of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the badgers.

Scents & Perfumes: Avoid strong scents like perfumes or other chemicals that may scare the badgers. Use fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of deterrence.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing the badger, raptors, or other animals in the area. By respecting these guidelines, you contribute to a respectful and ethical environment for badger photography and the well-being of the animals.

Raptors:

Silence is Key: Try to be as quiet as possible in the hide. Avoid loud noises, such as dropping items like a thermos. Speak softly (whisper).

Avoid Sudden Camera Movements: Raptors, including the buzzard and goshawk, are sensitive. Some juvenile buzzards may be especially cautious. Set up your camera and aim it at the platform before it gets light to be prepared for the raptors’ arrival. You may switch between small birds and the raptor platform, but do so with smooth, non-jerky movements.

Start Photographing After Feeding: For the best results, start photographing raptors once they begin eating. They are usually more settled and accustomed to the surroundings. Avoid moving the camera when they first land on the platform, as they may fly away.

Lighting Use: Raptors do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Generally, raptors are not scared of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the raptors or other forest birds.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing the raptors or other animals in the area. By following these guidelines, you create a respectful and ethical environment for raptor photography and contribute to the well-being of the animals.

Crested tits & Other Forest Birds:

Speak Softly: None of the forest birds are particularly shy of low-frequency conversation or other sounds. Avoid speaking loudly or making banging noises. Nutcrackers may react to loud talking or unnatural sounds. If waiting for raptors or owls, be as quiet as possible.

Camera Movements: Forest birds like the crested tit, coal tit, and others are not particularly afraid of camera movements. Still, try to minimize these as much as possible. Nutcrackers, however, can be very sensitive to camera movements when landing close to the hide.

Lighting Use: Forest birds do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Forest birds are not afraid of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the forest birds visiting the feeding stations.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing nearby raptors or other animals. By following these guidelines, you create a respectful and ethical environment for photographing forest birds and contribute to their well-being and natural behavior.