[saluki]

I'm thinking of making a portable hide. I've thought of using my fishing umberella, sticking velcro around the rim and hanging a 'skirt' of leafscreen around it. Alternatively, I could do with some sort of collapsable frame - or at least a light aluminium one - that could be easily carried. I've looked at the hides at:

http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/

but I don't want to shell out £150 + for something that shouldn't be beyond me to make for myself. Anyone any suggestions please?

saluki

[Elizabeth Bigg]

How about a toilet tent - dual-purpose??!!

[Reader]

In fishing circles there is a collapsable bivvy. It can be put up in 10 seconds and folds down flat like a round keepnet. I used to have one. I think they used to be about £70 but i'm sure the anglers here will give you the full info. You can carry it around in a bag that is about 2 foot square. It isn't heavy and may be just what you are looking for.

[DoveKeeper]

http://www.tacticalcity.com/apparel_...ProductID=2024 This should help.

[saluki]

Thanks for the suggestions (although somehow I can't see me strolling round the local nature reserve dressed like that DoveKeeper!). I had thought about the fishing bivvy Reader, but having spent 500 quid this month on a C-750, T-CON 1.7, etc. I was hoping to spend as little as possible (in fact - nothing!) on a hide - what with Christmas coming, etc. Elizabeth's suggestion might not be as funny as it sounds, something like that could easily be adapted if I could pick a 2nd hand one up cheaply. I think I can get camo netting for nothing from a mate who's in the TA, so something like a toilet tent or even the old fashioned Wendy houses (do they still make those?) would perhaps do as a frame. I'm in Scotland for two or three weeks next month (I think!) and want the hide for then, so I've got a few weeks to sort something out.

Thanks again.

saluki

[paclett]

go and try stringers at wigan or preston they do a camo dome tent at around 30-35.
adapts v well

[barontan2418]

Saluki

I've got one of the canvas hides that used to be advertised in Bird Watching magazine, probable short of a couple of poles, It's lived in my garden shed for many years without being used but your welcome to it, spiders and all. I also have one that you put on like a sombrero again from an advertisement in the above magazine, I've not seen it for a while, but could probable find it if pushed. Problem is I'm in Leeds and you’re in Cheshire, anyway the offer is there.

Mick Baron

[nigelblake]

Portable hides are very good, I have an old 'Jamie Woods' one and a wildlife watching supplies 'realtree' one.
However I find that some of the most successful are the ones that I make from natural materials, i.e. a few branches to form a low wigwam shape then covered in dry grass and other branches etc, these blend in to the surroundings and are less likely to be vandalised, and do not draw unwanted attention, particularly when you are using them. I have had a few occasions when using the wildlife watching supplies cammo hide, where dogwalkers and or other birders have turned up to see what I am watching, always at the least appropriate time!

[stevo]

Hi Saluki

What about a poncho,thier available at Army surplus stores,or you can get one in the Realtree camo pattern from www.nimrodoutfitters.co.uk
Regards Steve.

[saluki]

Mick,

Thanks very much for the offer, but I think I've got fixed up with something.

Nigel,

I agree entirely. As an ex-shooter I've been making hides for many years, but I imagine that a hide for shooting and one for photography/watching would need slightly different properties. When shooting I only required the quarry to get within range so often I could make do with camo netting and whatever natural cover was at hand. If I'm trying to photograph wildlife however I thought I'd start with something more substantial then cover it, again, with natural vegetation, as I require the wildlife to approach much closer - and stay there - than when I was shooting. Thanks for the advice however Nigel, I think were I can I'll build a few hides of natural materials and carry the portable around with me in the car. I have access to a fair amount of private land so, hopefully, vandalism shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Stevo,

I had thought along those lines. I've often found sitting still, with your back against a tree for instance can be very effective, especially if wearing camo gear or simply natural colours. People often try to hide behind objects, whereas in reality it is usually better to have a background and rely on keeping still. IMO wildlife tend to notice a siluette poking out from behind a tree for instance more than anything!

Again, thanks for the replies.

saluki