Been visiting this site on and off for a few years now, and I have just registered, and thought that this would be the place to first ask a question, which has been troubling me for awhile now.
I am planning a motoring trip to Spain in early May, with the intention of photographing the wildlife, particularly the birds. Camping as I go.
I have been told that a water drip feed could give me an edge, does anyone have any knowledge or personal experience of using this method ??
Any help and advice on the east med. migration or drip feeds will be greatly appreciated.
I think this is a method used by Alan Murphy-He now has a DVD out and is said to be excellent, Check out Alans Website and blog for more details
Dave
Posted by David Sewell on April 8, 2010 at 9:29 AM
I think this is simply a variation of a feeding station, providing water rather than food. Birds are said to be attracted to dripping water rather than a constant, still supply. About one drip every 20 seconds was optimum according to one web site that I looked at, but I have to admit to never having tried the technique. Shortage of water has not been an issue where I live over recent months.
David
Posted by John Robinson on April 8, 2010 at 11:07 AM
I,ve used it many times but it never made much difference as I recall. By far the best way is find a spot as far away from water that you can abd take a bin liner or similar and make a puddle.
Cheers
JR
You are right, a using a source of water could well improve your success rate. Moving water equates to fresh water. All living things need water, even if it is only for fur or feather maintenance.
I seem to recall reading an article, way back, by Arthur Morris the American photographer, where he describes how he improvised a water drip feed when he was at a safari lodge in Africa. I will search it out for you, and e-mail it, if you wish.
Dave C. mentions a Alan Murphy’s e-book, I once looked into it but decided against it, as I didn’t think it of much use in the UK, I didn’t see many opportunities for photographing Humming birds, at feeders, in the UK. I worked out that with postage, import tax and GPO delivery charges it would cost £60+ to my door, but if I lived in a drier country, such as Spain, then I might consider purchasing it. I think Arthur Morris’s article will cover what you are looking for.
You say that you will be motoring through Spain, if you intend to shoot from your car then do not forget your camera mounting, for example bean bags. I know of two UK based photographers who have extensive experience of using both drip fed pools and working from a car, I’ll contact them, if you wish, to see if they are in the country and can help. They travel a lot.
I would suggest that you try out your setups that you decide on, before you go, as from experience; I have found that things have a habit of not always going to plan.
For information on Spain, I don’t think you can go far wrong with taking along copies of Dave Cosney’s booklets, he might well have done a DVD or two on Spain. If you are travelling through France, then it might be an idea to get Dave Cosney’s booklet for France, just to cover all bases.
Have a good trip, looking forward to seeing your results.
Richard D
P.S. Just realised that I can't see your email address, so my public email is rdoylie1@aol.co.uk
Many thanks for the replies, they were very interesting.
Particular thanks to Richard, the articles, they arrived safe and sound, they are exactly what I wanted, they have given me a lot of food for thought.
I have put an enquiry into Bird Guides about those booklets, as they don’t appear to list anything for Spain on their web site.
I’m off tomorrow Sunday to meet Roger, at a combined pool and feeding station site that he is building on one of his local reserves for the local children. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Again many thanks everyone, I knew this was the place to come.
Discussion
6 repliesBeen visiting this site on and off for a few years now, and I have just registered, and thought that this would be the place to first ask a question, which has been troubling me for awhile now.
I am planning a motoring trip to Spain in early May, with the intention of photographing the wildlife, particularly the birds. Camping as I go.
I have been told that a water drip feed could give me an edge, does anyone have any knowledge or personal experience of using this method ??
Any help and advice on the east med. migration or drip feeds will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks for looking
Mark P
Dave
David
Cheers
JR
hope you have fun in Spain
Bertl
You are right, a using a source of water could well improve your success rate. Moving water equates to fresh water. All living things need water, even if it is only for fur or feather maintenance.
I seem to recall reading an article, way back, by Arthur Morris the American photographer, where he describes how he improvised a water drip feed when he was at a safari lodge in Africa. I will search it out for you, and e-mail it, if you wish.
Dave C. mentions a Alan Murphy’s e-book, I once looked into it but decided against it, as I didn’t think it of much use in the UK, I didn’t see many opportunities for photographing Humming birds, at feeders, in the UK. I worked out that with postage, import tax and GPO delivery charges it would cost £60+ to my door, but if I lived in a drier country, such as Spain, then I might consider purchasing it. I think Arthur Morris’s article will cover what you are looking for.
You say that you will be motoring through Spain, if you intend to shoot from your car then do not forget your camera mounting, for example bean bags. I know of two UK based photographers who have extensive experience of using both drip fed pools and working from a car, I’ll contact them, if you wish, to see if they are in the country and can help. They travel a lot.
I would suggest that you try out your setups that you decide on, before you go, as from experience; I have found that things have a habit of not always going to plan.
For information on Spain, I don’t think you can go far wrong with taking along copies of Dave Cosney’s booklets, he might well have done a DVD or two on Spain. If you are travelling through France, then it might be an idea to get Dave Cosney’s booklet for France, just to cover all bases.
Have a good trip, looking forward to seeing your results.
Richard D
P.S. Just realised that I can't see your email address, so my public email is rdoylie1@aol.co.uk
Just a quick note.
Many thanks for the replies, they were very interesting.
Particular thanks to Richard, the articles, they arrived safe and sound, they are exactly what I wanted, they have given me a lot of food for thought.
I have put an enquiry into Bird Guides about those booklets, as they don’t appear to list anything for Spain on their web site.
I’m off tomorrow Sunday to meet Roger, at a combined pool and feeding station site that he is building on one of his local reserves for the local children. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Again many thanks everyone, I knew this was the place to come.
Mark P