Gustav's Kingfishers - how does he do it |
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Jocelynne ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 17 June 2009 Location: United States Status: Offline Posts: 2819 |
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@Gustav: My most profound Respect to you, a naturalist and a teacher, an artist and a technician.
Again, we witness the greatness of the concept of Dyxum and of the people who comprise it. Thank you. JL ![]() |
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Maxxum 450si, Sony A300, A700, A900 and a cubic meter of Alpha lenses
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Epic Win ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 22 January 2010 Status: Offline Posts: 652 |
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Thank you so much Gustav
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Hezu ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 13 October 2007 Country: Finland Location: HKI/KSNK Status: Offline Posts: 4762 |
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momech ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 27 August 2006 Country: United States Location: United States Status: Offline Posts: 2934 |
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Hezu, I've seen something similar. Basically a plywood platform mounted on an inner tube with a "Skimmer" ground pod and Kirk ball head to hold the camera - with my 600/4 lens. Add a PVC frame with camo cloth to cover everything and a pair of waders and then just wade on out through the reeds. (Have to keep an eye out for the gators, of course)
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Hezu ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 13 October 2007 Country: Finland Location: HKI/KSNK Status: Offline Posts: 4762 |
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I haven't personally really used any boat or canoe for transportation or hide, but I know one nature photographer who last year spent good part of the summer paddling almost daily to and back from his hide where he photographed kingfishers at their nest. If I recall correctly the place where the hide (some sort of tent I believe) was set up could be only accessed via the river.
And of course, talking about hides, there are numerous designs, I think few of the most interesting models I have heard of (and some seen) are floating hides where photographer actually is in the water (example), "tank" hide with a rotating turret where camera(s) are placed and "coffin" hide made from an old fiber glass ski box (yes, those things you place on car roof to carry equipment). Then there is also these more permanent setups with mirror glass windows... |
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Sydney2 ![]() Groupie ![]() Joined: 08 May 2009 Status: Offline Posts: 65 |
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I have a friend who built a raft and placed a hide on it.
It was positioned and anchored in the middle of the river. The perch was on a heavy triangular base. My perch holder was made from pipes with a heavy base. You just need a friendly Welder Gustav? LOL There is also a Italian guy who built a hide on stilts. |
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revdocjim ![]() Moderator Group ![]() Joined: 11 September 2006 Country: Japan Location: Mt. Akagi Status: Offline Posts: 8607 |
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Duck hunters frequently use boat blinds. Usually not a kayak though. The recoil from a 12 gauge might capsize a kayak if you were shooting to the side.
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k9tales ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 16 January 2008 Country: United States Location: Bass Harbor ME. Status: Offline Posts: 2104 |
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Thanks for the link, I'll check them out. I also need a blind for winter. I sit by the edge of the marsh, one of the few spots available, and used a blanket, but I'm going to do something more stable this winter. I had Blue Herons land 15' in front of my spot last winter. Lynn |
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Minolta 28-105mm RS|MD|AR|Tokina 500mm/8 |Tamron Adaptall|Lensbaby 3G|
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momech ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 27 August 2006 Country: United States Location: United States Status: Offline Posts: 2934 |
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You could buy one of these throw over blinds: https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=25 and modify it, or just buy some camo cloth make one. Still have to move slow, and it gets hot under there, but it should do the trick. |
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k9tales ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 16 January 2008 Country: United States Location: Bass Harbor ME. Status: Offline Posts: 2104 |
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I have seen several Kingfishers in my area, Mt. Desert Island, Maine.
In particular, there is a nest along the bank of a local marsh. Very difficult, if not impossible to access by land. Also, I see them fishing off a dock or building by the water. It's usually pretty much by chance, right place, right time. Otherwise our local Naturalist would probably know where to find a nest or two with more easy access.... But, do you think it possible one could create a 'hide' in a kayak and get close enough,(eventually that is)? Have you ever used a boat or kayak to photograph where you can't get to walking? I have a 16' yellow kayak I use sometimes to photograph ducks on the water in the harbor but I have never tried making a blind. They usually scamper if I get too close, but I have sat very still and have had them pass in front of me. Thanks so very much for sharing! I appreciate knowing how not to bring harm to these beautiful creatures, yet be able to capture their image in nature. Truly inspirational! Thank you, Lynn Bass Harbor, Maine |
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Minolta 28-105mm RS|MD|AR|Tokina 500mm/8 |Tamron Adaptall|Lensbaby 3G|
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Sydney2 ![]() Groupie ![]() Joined: 08 May 2009 Status: Offline Posts: 65 |
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Gustav,
This is a wonderful article. You should write a book Best regards Alan |
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Sharpeye ![]() Groupie ![]() Joined: 28 February 2009 Country: Croatia Location: Croatia Status: Offline Posts: 59 |
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Such a joy to read and watch...
Congratulations Gustav, just unbelievable. ![]() |
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a99II x2, 70-400G2,300/2.8G2 8 s180/3.5,CZ135/1.8, CZ85/1.4,Min17-35/2.8-4, Laowa 15/4, Trioplan 100/2.8, Mitakon 20/2 smyg8mm/3.5fisheye
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Hans Brinkel ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 08 May 2009 Country: Netherlands Location: Zoetermeer Status: Offline Posts: 434 |
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Excelent and complete article Gustav.
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Think Happy Thoughts, and You'll Fly (Peter Pan)
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Conny1 ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 30 December 2006 Country: Germany Status: Offline Posts: 1591 |
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Superb article, Gustav .... and Frankman!
If I find the time and patience this year, I will follow your advices, as there are kingfishers/ijsvogels/Eisvögel very close to my home. Thanks for sharing! |
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