Woodland Set up

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I have seen some amazing images in the gallery from the likes of John Robinson and his son where there is some really nice close ups of woodland birds in puddle. There are others too :t:

Can someone give me some advice on how to go about this; types of woodland, considerations, equiptment, times of day. Basically everything I would need to do to get a good set up and to attract the birds in.

Thanks!

[luke]

The best and easiest thing to do is to set up a hide of some description in some woodland. i think deciduous woods are better. Then set up some nice perches and place a few feeders there and off you go! Obviously place your hide according to the light. Others will be able to tell you more!

[bobwoodcock]

My puddle is on the edge of a small wood so the incoming birds are able to see it as they fly over which I am sure draws them in,loose feed around the puddle area seems to keep them on the ground longer for photographs,my hide is 10 yards from the puddle which seems about right for the birds and my scope.

[Den]

I agree with Luke in that deciduous woodland is best, especially secondary regenerated ones with lots of youngish trees. A pond nearby would be a great asset. If the wood is private and you have permission then by all means build a Ritz of a hide but if, like me, you have access to woods public and idiots use then build nothing and get a bag hide and Walkstool.
Feed regularly ( I just put birdfood on an old stump) and settle down on the stool under the hide. Getting an area with sufficient light is the hard bit and I usually use a Better Beamer set at -2EV to give a little balanced fill flash when things are dull. Early morning, just after the dog walkers have gone is best (my baghide has been 'anointed' three times now by over-friendly dogs!!!). PM me if you need more detailed info.

[mike from ebbw]

Hi Marcus.Make sure you have the sun behind you when building your hide.Private land is your best bet to escape the destructive yob element.Broadleaf woodland is best but remember to have it in a clearing with plenty of light from above.The canopy in Summer can make it really dark.I found this out to my cost this year!Pick out some nice old logs/branches for perches.Position them so you have no close cover behind that would make for a messy background on your pics.Plenty of regular feeding and there you go.I have just finished building my pool.A dark green tarpaulin in a scraped out hollow surrounded by rocks and logs.I have attached a pic of my feeding station (minus the pool) taken last winter.Good luck!