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Gustav's Kingfishers - how does he do it

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Jocelynne View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Jocelynne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Gustav's Kingfishers - how does he do it
    Posted: 24 May 2012 at 18:02
@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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Epic Win View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Epic Win Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 May 2012 at 17:24
Thank you so much Gustav
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Hezu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 15:03
Originally posted by momech momech wrote:

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)
I also recall seeing pictures of a floating hide which was disguised as a swan: basicly the cover was white with suitable a white pipe resembling the neck and head attached. Sadly I couldn't find those pictures any more. And these parts of world, 'gators luckily are no problem, although there sure can be other hazards with these kind of setups, cold water for example...
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Post Options Post Options   Quote momech Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 13:46
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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Post Options Post Options   Quote Hezu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 08:49
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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Post Options Post Options   Quote Sydney2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 08:41
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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Post Options Post Options   Quote revdocjim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 07:24
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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Post Options Post Options   Quote k9tales Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 03:47
Originally posted by momech momech wrote:

Originally posted by k9tales k9tales wrote:

But, do you think it possible one could create a 'hide' in a kayak and get close enough,(eventually that is)?

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.

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.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote momech Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 03:16
Originally posted by k9tales k9tales wrote:

But, do you think it possible one could create a 'hide' in a kayak and get close enough,(eventually that is)?

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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Post Options Post Options   Quote k9tales Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 September 2011 at 02:08
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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Post Options Post Options   Quote Sydney2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 September 2011 at 08:39
Gustav,
This is a wonderful article.
You should write a book
Best regards Alan
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Sharpeye Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 February 2011 at 05:59
Such a joy to read and watch...
Congratulations Gustav, just unbelievable.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Hans Brinkel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 February 2011 at 20:34
Excelent and complete article Gustav.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Conny1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 February 2011 at 12:16
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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