Hi Keith, nice to see a video that's laid back, as we know when we go to reserves and it can be slow with not a lot about. Looks a nice place to spend an hour or so. Thanks for sharing the video.
Lovely to see your visit . Local to me and one of my favourite places . Thank you for capturing it . Oh yes forgot to say you missed the vole that lives in the log you were sitting on at the stump - he’s usually very photogenic 😄😄
Nice video Keith, I agree that reserve hides are often not well suited to photography. Sometimes I've seen them have low level windows for kids which are offer a slightly better prospect for a shot... Great to see the red kite images!
Hi Keith, as Mark mentioned I visited Lackford Lakes with him in February after photographing bearded Tits. We didn't see much to be honest. Great to see the nuthatch and tree creeper in your video though. It's always nice to visit a new reserve anyway I think. All the best, Steve.
Thanks Steve. I think like I said in the video a different time of year may be a little different although I would have said earlier in the year but obviously wasn’t good for you. Cheers Keith
Nice video Keith, hides are never setup for wildlife photographers, lol… You think there trying to tell us something 😂👍. Nice work mate, 1-5 working well for you? Cheers R
Thanks mate. Yes I think sometimes they prefer not to encourage photographers. This video was pre 1-5 but yes it is working well mate and really pleased with it. Cheers Keith
Hi Keith a case of alls well that ends well just when you think nothing is going to happen one spot ( in your case the stump ) and nothing turns into loads off beautiful images. I totally agree about the hides being to high although I have seen some with floor level windows to but they are few and far between. Until next time take care and stay safe my friend.
Thanks Clive. Well we managed to get a video out of it in the end with a little help from the locals 😂. Would definitely be nice to have more low level hides in some locations. Stay safe mate and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
I went to Lackford lakes for the first time last year with Steve Hedges ! It was a bit overgrown for the time of year ! Kingfishers were missing when we went but there was ice on the main lake ! Great to explore a new reserve well done Keith. ❤Always love a Grey Heron fly by
Well it turned out ok in the end Keith. And looks a really nice reserve. Some great captures from the Stump. Loved the Nuthatch and the Marsh Tit. Plus the final Red Kite photos too 👍👍 It’s so strange - you can visit a place two days running. The first day - everything going on, the second nothing. Been up to ours today and last week - today nothing - last week, so many Kingfishers and a family of Otters. Some days are just special - some days it’s just good to be out anyway. Love the relaxing feel of these films mate. Just great to watch always. Have a great weekend 👍👍👍
Thanks Dave. The Marsh Tit was a bonus as I don't remember photographing one before. You are so right, you just never know what will turn up from day to day. Have a great weekend mate. Cheers Keith.
Useful video. I never have any luck at bird reserves. Hides are set up for watching, not photography. Angles, heights all wrong and way too far from water for those of us with 500mm and no convertors!. I find myself coming away feeling dejected and frustrated. Your video and experience help highlight that it's not just my experience. Thanks for that Keith. 👍
Thanks Sandra. Yes totally understand your frustration. At my local nature reserve there were places you could get down to the water but they have put highland cattle on the site and fenced everything off so you can't anymore. The hot weather and low water levels doesn't help either. Glad the video helped and thanks for watching. Cheers Keith
Lackford is on my doorstep Keith, yet I've only visited it a handful of times. Been very lucky during my visits to be fair, seen and photographed Kingfishers on every trip bar one, a pair of Ospreys a few years ago, Cuckoos & loads of butterflies. I think the biggest problem now is the times you can access the reserve have been restricted due to a spate of vandalism & arson. If I'm correct, the visitor centre was broken into & trashed as well as lots of items being stolen, the original double decker hide was set on fire (hence the new build one), and generally these idiots ruined the reserve for everyone who enjoys it. As I'm sure you know, the best time for kingfishers is early morning, and I used to be on site before dawn to photograph them, but with the reserve opening hours new being 8am-5pm I can't see me returning anytime soon. Such a shame as it's a great place with lots of wildlife to offer, but for me I prefer the early morning starts and to be away before the crowds arrive. You did well at the stump though, nice set of birds there. Keep on keeping on. Best, Nick
Thanks for watching Nick. Yes it is a shame that a few people have to ruin it for the rest! We have had problems from time to time at my local nature reserve and they have tried several thing but nothing seems to work that well. It does look like a good reserve but as you say timing is probably the key to a good day there. Love the life at the stump, it was the saviour of the day. Cheers Keith
