Quick question. I am booked into the new Big tower hide at Gigrin 19,20,21st March. Feeding is 2pm so plan to be in hide by 1pm but I was wondering if there are any other hints or tips you could offer.
Also I will be staying in the area hence any other local places to visit for the early morning light would be good.
If you are in the hide by 1pm you will be twiddling your thumbs for a long while. I would aim to be in it by 1.45 to setup the kit. I would also wear a hat, gloves and rain jacket as you are reasonably well exposed to the elements.
Hang on right untill the end.
The bird numbers will decrease and virtually all the members of the public will disappear but there will still be plenty of opportunities,in fact this is probably the best time IMO, as the feeding frenzy has finished, the birds are a lot more relaxed and just casually glide past at close quarters.
I have heard there are also some feeders up for other birds at Gigrin? and there is also a trail to a local RSPB reserve that has some good sitings from the hides?
I'm not aware of a RSPB trail, there is a family trail at Gigrin which goes up the hill away from the hides.
The closest RSPB woodland that I know of is behind the Elan Valley reservoirs, but it is a private wood with no visitor facilities
if you want to while away some time in the mornings I would go to the River Elan towards the reservoirs and look for dippers. It is too early for the spring migrants at present and the extensive moors araound Elan are relatively wader/grouse poor.
There are feeders just by the carpark on the way to the hides but if I remeber not that brill for photography. Going this weekend so can let you know!!
Posted by David Sewell on March 4, 2010 at 5:32 PM
I visited Gigrin regularly when I was working down the road at Newbridge on Wye in 2007 and 2008, and would echo Justin's comments. I found the best time was about an hour after feeding time started. From about 30 minutes after the start people are leaving in numbers, and after about an hour you should have the place to yourself, except for a few other like-minded souls. I arrived early once and did the trail around the farm, it was a waste of time, as were the feeders by the shop.
It is not just red kites, there are buzzards, corvids (including ravens) and often a heron, so you won't be short of subjects. Hope the weather is good for you.
A drive around the Elan Valley complex nearby is enjoyable, but do it as sightseeing rather than in the expectation of many photographic subjects. The lake in Llandrindod Wells can be good for wintering wildfowl in some years. It also has a famous population of toads, but you are probably a couple of weeks early for that.
Fran and I will be there on the 11th March so will report back... Another who agrees that it is best to hang around as long as possible, the Kites often come in in a second or third wave... I always find the initial frenzy to be that little bit too busy.
Discussion
9 repliesQuick question. I am booked into the new Big tower hide at Gigrin 19,20,21st March. Feeding is 2pm so plan to be in hide by 1pm but I was wondering if there are any other hints or tips you could offer.
Also I will be staying in the area hence any other local places to visit for the early morning light would be good.
If you are in the hide by 1pm you will be twiddling your thumbs for a long while. I would aim to be in it by 1.45 to setup the kit. I would also wear a hat, gloves and rain jacket as you are reasonably well exposed to the elements.
T
The bird numbers will decrease and virtually all the members of the public will disappear but there will still be plenty of opportunities,in fact this is probably the best time IMO, as the feeding frenzy has finished, the birds are a lot more relaxed and just casually glide past at close quarters.
I have heard there are also some feeders up for other birds at Gigrin? and there is also a trail to a local RSPB reserve that has some good sitings from the hides?
The closest RSPB woodland that I know of is behind the Elan Valley reservoirs, but it is a private wood with no visitor facilities
if you want to while away some time in the mornings I would go to the River Elan towards the reservoirs and look for dippers. It is too early for the spring migrants at present and the extensive moors araound Elan are relatively wader/grouse poor.
It is not just red kites, there are buzzards, corvids (including ravens) and often a heron, so you won't be short of subjects. Hope the weather is good for you.
A drive around the Elan Valley complex nearby is enjoyable, but do it as sightseeing rather than in the expectation of many photographic subjects. The lake in Llandrindod Wells can be good for wintering wildfowl in some years. It also has a famous population of toads, but you are probably a couple of weeks early for that.
David
Tim
Fran and I will be there on the 11th March so will report back... Another who agrees that it is best to hang around as long as possible, the Kites often come in in a second or third wave... I always find the initial frenzy to be that little bit too busy.
HTH