Photography advice and locations.

[Johnny Thunder]

I would just like to begin by saying hello to everyone in my area.

I am hoping you guys can give me some advice regarding the photography of birds.
I have recently purchased a Nikon D300. I now have the 70-300VR lens to go with the body.
I do realise that I am restricted with this lens until I can afford to buy something more suitable to bird photography, therefore I am looking for locations around the Middlesbrough area which will allow me to get close enough to the wildlife to give me a chance of taking a decent photograph.

Would you recommend hand holding, and snapping while walking around, or get myself settled somewhere hidden and wait to see what comes along?



Thank you.



John.

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I would suggest you find a feeding station or set one up where the birds are habituated to people like your local park. If you wait a while on the coast turnstone and waders will come close enough.

[Johnny Thunder]

Thank you for the quick response Marcus.
Is there anywhere that I can find information on feeding stations that are run by clubs etc?

I do have one set up in my garden, with added branches etc. for natural looking photographs, but the birds have stopped visiting since I placed the branches there.
No doubt they will return when they get used to the change.

[deansmith]

johnny check out teesmouth bird club and durham bird club both have websites and both have lists of locations in the area.

where abouts in the north east are you.

DS

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

johnny check out teesmouth bird club and durham bird club both have websites and both have lists of locations in the area.

where abouts in the north east are you.

DS

Hi Dean - he says Middlesbrough if that helps?
Marcus

[Johnny Thunder]

Yes, just outside Middlesbrough Dean.

I have registered on the Teesmouth website but there must be a problem with my application because it has not been activated, and I cannot find a Contact Us link.

[deansmith]

Hi Dean - he says Middlesbrough if that helps?
Marcus

thanks marcus

teesmouth bird club would be the local birdclub then. also johnny your just down the road from cowpen bewley woodland park in billingham, this has a feeding station where you can get within a few feet of birds itl be starting to get used more and more now the wardens only stock it with food in the winter but if you take some food yourself put it out and wait then you can get suprisingly close.

there is also rspb saltholme very close to you too.

www.teesmouthbc.com should give you all the information you need.

regards

DS

[Johnny Thunder]

Thanks for the info Dean.

Do I have to be a member to visit the Saltholme site, and do I need to purchase a key? Also, is there hides available or do I need to take my own cover?

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Also if you get to know some of the regulars I am sure they will show you where to photograph the Short Eared Owls when they arrive in the next month.

[Johnny Thunder]

Thanks Marcus. That I would love, having never seen one.

[deansmith]

johnny anyone can visit rspb saltholme though non members have to pay for the car park £3 a day i believe. there are plenty of hides there and viewing screens all around the park. there is also a few volunteers who are happy to help you no matter what level your at many of the volunteers are also teesmouth bc members and could point you to other places in the area. there are 5 or so top sites litterally right next to each other, and all very close to you

ds

[Johnny Thunder]

Thanks Dean. I will have a look around the sites.

[scaly_piscine]

Billingham Beck Ecology Park is nice for having a walk around and getting pictures here and there, I walk there daily, there's few people there compared to the other places mentioned.