Nailing a Nuthatch (1 Viewer)

nigelblake

don't re member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #1

Hi
I personally do not like pictures of birds on feeders but food is one of the best ways to get birds to come close to you, My feeding station has a number of feeders which I keep well stocked, in addition to this I have a few pieces of metal tube driven into the ground near these, in which I put fresh perches each time I go for a photo session, this is so I do not have the birds sat on perches that are dotted with poop, I only photograph the birds on these fresh perches.
I also carry with me a battery powered drill, over the past few weeks I have trained my Nuthatch to come to Hazel nuts that are jammed in holes (out of camera view), that I have drilled in various pieces of wood, the trick is to remove the feeders and place a few nuts near the ones jammed in the holes, most birds take these off and eat them elsewhere but then, when only the securely jammed ones are left they stay and peck at them, and of course are in front of the camera for a longer time while they do this. Changing the drilled perches means that you get pix in different surroundings.

Nigel

 

Attachments

• 
  img_0916rsz.jpg

  61.4 KB · Views: 466

Paul 42

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #2

Smashing photo of one of my favourite birds Nigel.

 

IanF

Moderator

• Feb 8, 2003

• #3

Another superb shot Nigel and in such a natural looking setting.

 

Last edited: Feb 8, 2003

LuBird

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #4

Great pic Nigel, I love any variety of Nuthatch.

 

Andrew

wibble wibble

• Feb 8, 2003

• #5

Brilliant picture, thanks for the info too. Are your perches natural twigs or dowelled wood?

 

nigelblake

don't re member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #6

I only use natural perches, and generally keep an eye open for twigs etc that I feel will compliment the final image.

 

Andrew

wibble wibble

• Feb 8, 2003

• #7

That's what I expected from a Photomeister like you, thanks again for tips. What do you think of another member's idea of smearing fat into a hole in a log?

 

nigelblake

don't re member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #8

Another image from the same session yesterday, these twigs have been stapled to two upright posts, these in turn have been put in a possition where the background is uncluttered.


This is a Marsh Tit

 

Attachments

• 
  img_0829rsz.jpg

  47 KB · Views: 330

nigelblake

don't re member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #9

Fat or suet is also good, but it shows as a smeary mess on the birds bill sometimes.

 

P

peter hayes

Guest

• Feb 8, 2003

• #10

Nigel thanks again. There is a lovely delicate quality to your photography that you have made all your own. I think you bring out absolutely the best in whichever birds you photograph.

As for that brilliant shot of the Nuthatch; it makes up for not seeing one yesterday on the MonkeyBash round the West Midlands!

See you tomorrow at Slimbash.

 

Camberley red

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #11

I look forward to the Bird Forum/Nigel Blake - 2004 Calendar of close up British Birds! the Waxwing, Nuthatch and Marsh Tit are absolutly wonderful, so there are the first 3 months done.

Many Thanks

Paul

 

M

Marysan

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #12

Both photos are exquisite, Nigel, thanks.

 

D

Donna

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #13

Truly gorgeous shots, as always. I am so glad that you share your tips with us. It gives us something to think about when taking our pictures, things to be aware of.

Thanks!
DonnaA

 

Andrew

wibble wibble

• Feb 8, 2003

• #14

Do you prepare perches in advance and train birds to use them by placing food strategically nearby?

 

G

Gaye Horn

Guest

• Feb 8, 2003

• #15

Nigel those are wonderful photographs and the tips were excellent as well. Thanks for all the good stuff you do.

 

B

bcurrie

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #16

Both very well done images. Good hints, thanks.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Feb 8, 2003

• #17

Beautiful photos of 2 beautiful birds.

 

Geoff Pain

Rural Member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #18

What stunning photographs,well done.

Geoff :t:

 

paula

Well-known member

• Feb 8, 2003

• #19

As usual, outstanding.
It sounds as if you are a great stage manager with fresh and inovative ideas!

 

J

Janie

Active member

• Feb 9, 2003

• #20

Amazing photos!