As you will see this is a rubbish photo, the reson for posting is to show that anyone with a 600mm lens could get reasonable shots of Caper in Scotland without a licence. I do not have a big lens but wish I did when warching these birds.
Also to show off about one of the best Wildlife watching mornigs I have ever had, 4 leking male Caper and 1 females at the early morning watch at Loch Garten. Then a second female on the way home taking grit from the road, I was just to slow to get any photos dispite having everything ready. Still wonderful. Now to start saving for a trip to see then up close in Finland.
No comments on the photo, it is rubbish no other way to put it 100-400 with 1.4 and one hell of a crop. Any Caper stories would be great though. One question, I have found a nice pool in the woods in a good area, is it worth staking it out for drinking Caper?
All the best. Off to Shetland for the day tommorow.
It is indeed a great experience and anybody with an interest in natural history should go and witness the Caper lek at Loch Garten (with or without a camera). Most of the time getting anything on these birds would be difficult (even with a 600mm lens). However I have had birds perched in the tree outside the 'forward' hide. But my suggestion is to leave the camera at home and enjoy it! A few years ago I watched two males fighting for over an hour half about half the way across the clearing (close enough to hear them). I'll be up there this weekend so fingers crossed for more of the same.
From my relatively limited experience of Capers in Scotland I would give up on trying to photograph them. Even just trying to see these birds requires hours of patient searching. I would make an educated guess that waiting at a water hole would give little advantage. One tactic that might work is the one you mention - driving roads looking for birds taking for grit but again this has a low success rate. Capers are incredibly shy and elusive birds unless you are fortunate enough to find a rogue male. Given the pressure any rogue bird is likely to receive from birders and photographers the chances of ever finding out about one again is unlikely.
At all times I would suggest following the voluntary code of conduct: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/grouse/index.asp
As you say the best chance of photographing Caper is to visit Sweden or Finland. There are lots of commercial tour operators offering the opportunity. With the right knowledge and time you might be able to do it yourself but would advise against this as birds are easily disturbed.
Thanks for posting - you've got me even more excited about my upcoming trip to Scotland.
Discussion
1 repliesAlso to show off about one of the best Wildlife watching mornigs I have ever had, 4 leking male Caper and 1 females at the early morning watch at Loch Garten. Then a second female on the way home taking grit from the road, I was just to slow to get any photos dispite having everything ready. Still wonderful. Now to start saving for a trip to see then up close in Finland.
No comments on the photo, it is rubbish no other way to put it 100-400 with 1.4 and one hell of a crop. Any Caper stories would be great though. One question, I have found a nice pool in the woods in a good area, is it worth staking it out for drinking Caper?
All the best. Off to Shetland for the day tommorow.
Ian
It is indeed a great experience and anybody with an interest in natural history should go and witness the Caper lek at Loch Garten (with or without a camera). Most of the time getting anything on these birds would be difficult (even with a 600mm lens). However I have had birds perched in the tree outside the 'forward' hide. But my suggestion is to leave the camera at home and enjoy it! A few years ago I watched two males fighting for over an hour half about half the way across the clearing (close enough to hear them). I'll be up there this weekend so fingers crossed for more of the same.
From my relatively limited experience of Capers in Scotland I would give up on trying to photograph them. Even just trying to see these birds requires hours of patient searching. I would make an educated guess that waiting at a water hole would give little advantage. One tactic that might work is the one you mention - driving roads looking for birds taking for grit but again this has a low success rate. Capers are incredibly shy and elusive birds unless you are fortunate enough to find a rogue male. Given the pressure any rogue bird is likely to receive from birders and photographers the chances of ever finding out about one again is unlikely.
At all times I would suggest following the voluntary code of conduct: http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/grouse/index.asp
As you say the best chance of photographing Caper is to visit Sweden or Finland. There are lots of commercial tour operators offering the opportunity. With the right knowledge and time you might be able to do it yourself but would advise against this as birds are easily disturbed.
Thanks for posting - you've got me even more excited about my upcoming trip to Scotland.
All the best
Paul