Posted by Rene de Heer on March 2, 2006 at 7:29 AM
I have been asked to provide a number of corncrake images. Can someone tell me where the most reliable place is for corncrakes. I suspect the Outer Hebrides but im not quite sure.
Many thanks
Rene de Heer
The Nene washes in Cambs are quite close to you, but the best site is Balranald in Uist, or Coll, around June.
I would play safe and get a license as they are a schedule 1 bird and they don't wander far away from the nesting site until well after incubation; alternatively go at the start of August to get the increased numbers of this years young.
Without doubt the best places are North and South Uist, Tiree and Coll. You shouldn't have too much difficulty if you spend a week in the correct habitat on one of these islands. In an average year birds arrive in late April. They are most showy when they first arrive because vegetation is less and birds are keen to set up territory so call during daylight hours.
The best option is to drive minor roads with suitable habitat (iris beds) and find calling birds. On the Uists a favoured area is Balranald (the warden here may be able to help).
They can be quite confiding and I have known birds to call from short grass in gardens on Tiree!
There are very few reliable sites on the mainland and it is cruical birds are not disturbed. The Nene Washes birds are re-introduced and virtually impossible to see (let alone photograph) in the field. You may be able to arrange viewing/photographic opportunities at the release pens (contact CSL).
I would second what Paul has said. I would suggest the first two weeks in May, by then nearly all the birds have arrived and the vegitation is still quite short and more importantly the birds are calling and establishing terrirtories. I have been on the Uists during this period and done well photographing them!
David
Posted by Rene de Heer on March 2, 2006 at 2:39 PM
Many thanks for the info, Uist it will be early May. I assume that a permit is NOT necessary before the breeding season? Can you fly to Uist? Any suggestions for accomodation?
many thanks
Rene de Heer
If you are not going in early May (as suggested) the need for a license gets debateable around the end of may and definately June.
The requirement for a license is if you intend to photograph birds on or near an active nest. The problem is disturbance.
It all depends upon the defination of 'active' and what defines 'disturbance', in May (especially later in May) these definations are particular important, especially as active may not neccessary imply containing eggs?
So when does the nest become inactive?
Corncrakes usually start wandering with their young around the end of June.
Obviously if you are shooting from a car on a road, well I assume no License is required.
I don't know all the legal aspects of a Schedule 1 licence but I would put money on the fact that most 'tourists' (birders/photographers etc) visiting the Uists who photograph Corncrakes don't have one.
If you photograph calling birds (males holding territory) in the first two weeks of May from public roads/footpaths I would GUESS you woule be OK. Setting up hides on private land and getting extra close to them would be a different matter.
You can fly to Benbecula with British Airways via Glasgow. The other option is via ferry with CalMac from various places on the West Coast. If you have the time the ferry is a great option for seeing lots of wildlife (seabirds, dolphins, porpoises and with luck Minke Whale).
Lots of accommodation on the islands ranging from campsite to hotels. Websearch will give you lots of results.
If you intend to actively go to the area to photograph a schedule one species and then to sell the images I would suggest that there is no way around the fact that you should be responsible and hold the necessary licences.
SNH are the appropriate body to contact for licences for Scotland - there details can be found here:
http://www.snh.org.uk/licences/li-appforms.asp
Additionally they have produced a code of conduct which I would recommend forum contributors read:
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/licences/PhotoCode.pdf
SNH and other bodies tend to look favourably upon photographers who can demonstrate previous experience with delicate subjects and also those who are carrying out photography to enhance conservation of the species rather than just build a portfolio. If your client, Rene, is promoting the conservation of the Corncrakes this should not be a problem and I am sure you can demonstrate previous experience.
Several discussions have been held on the topic of licensing and what constitutes disturbance in the past particularly relating to Dartford warblers. It should be noted that a male calling constitutes "breeding" and therefore photography of calling males strictly speaking requires a licence.
Discussion
8 repliesMany thanks
Rene de Heer
I would play safe and get a license as they are a schedule 1 bird and they don't wander far away from the nesting site until well after incubation; alternatively go at the start of August to get the increased numbers of this years young.
Without doubt the best places are North and South Uist, Tiree and Coll. You shouldn't have too much difficulty if you spend a week in the correct habitat on one of these islands. In an average year birds arrive in late April. They are most showy when they first arrive because vegetation is less and birds are keen to set up territory so call during daylight hours.
The best option is to drive minor roads with suitable habitat (iris beds) and find calling birds. On the Uists a favoured area is Balranald (the warden here may be able to help).
They can be quite confiding and I have known birds to call from short grass in gardens on Tiree!
There are very few reliable sites on the mainland and it is cruical birds are not disturbed. The Nene Washes birds are re-introduced and virtually impossible to see (let alone photograph) in the field. You may be able to arrange viewing/photographic opportunities at the release pens (contact CSL).
Hope that helps
Paul
I would second what Paul has said. I would suggest the first two weeks in May, by then nearly all the birds have arrived and the vegitation is still quite short and more importantly the birds are calling and establishing terrirtories. I have been on the Uists during this period and done well photographing them!
David
many thanks
Rene de Heer
If you are not going in early May (as suggested) the need for a license gets debateable around the end of may and definately June.
The requirement for a license is if you intend to photograph birds on or near an active nest. The problem is disturbance.
It all depends upon the defination of 'active' and what defines 'disturbance', in May (especially later in May) these definations are particular important, especially as active may not neccessary imply containing eggs?
So when does the nest become inactive?
Corncrakes usually start wandering with their young around the end of June.
Obviously if you are shooting from a car on a road, well I assume no License is required.
Have fun.
I don't know all the legal aspects of a Schedule 1 licence but I would put money on the fact that most 'tourists' (birders/photographers etc) visiting the Uists who photograph Corncrakes don't have one.
If you photograph calling birds (males holding territory) in the first two weeks of May from public roads/footpaths I would GUESS you woule be OK. Setting up hides on private land and getting extra close to them would be a different matter.
You can fly to Benbecula with British Airways via Glasgow. The other option is via ferry with CalMac from various places on the West Coast. If you have the time the ferry is a great option for seeing lots of wildlife (seabirds, dolphins, porpoises and with luck Minke Whale).
Lots of accommodation on the islands ranging from campsite to hotels. Websearch will give you lots of results.
All the best
Paul
I would advise getting a licence.
If you intend to actively go to the area to photograph a schedule one species and then to sell the images I would suggest that there is no way around the fact that you should be responsible and hold the necessary licences.
SNH are the appropriate body to contact for licences for Scotland - there details can be found here:
http://www.snh.org.uk/licences/li-appforms.asp
Additionally they have produced a code of conduct which I would recommend forum contributors read:
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/licences/PhotoCode.pdf
SNH and other bodies tend to look favourably upon photographers who can demonstrate previous experience with delicate subjects and also those who are carrying out photography to enhance conservation of the species rather than just build a portfolio. If your client, Rene, is promoting the conservation of the Corncrakes this should not be a problem and I am sure you can demonstrate previous experience.
Several discussions have been held on the topic of licensing and what constitutes disturbance in the past particularly relating to Dartford warblers. It should be noted that a male calling constitutes "breeding" and therefore photography of calling males strictly speaking requires a licence.
I hope this is of some use.
Niall