Brandon Marsh advice please.

stylgeo

stylgeo

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I don't know if I shouldn't have put this thread on the bird forum since I don't have any photos to share, but I think this is the right place to get the advice I need, since I know a lot of you guys visit this place quite often, so, please mods move if this is not the right place.
I decided to take the day off tomorrow, so I am thinking of going to Brandon marsh for some bird photography. I've never been there, and it's 4 miles from where I live. I am thinking of cycling there, to get the exercise and the clean air (weather forecast speaks of an overcast day, little bit of the occasional sunshine, dry, 10mph winds, 60% humidity) so I hope it will be a nice day.
The problem is that I cannot find enough info on the internet about the place. How many hides are there, what to expect, where should I go, any particular advice?
I am a very patient guy, can sit at one place for several hours, the problem is that I've only got the 120-300mm 2.8, which served me wonders in the past but have decided that from now on I would use it without any TCs, since I get inconsistent results. I'm thinking that there must be something wrong with the TC, since I get pin-sharp results with the bare lens at f/2.8.
So, where should I go, with just 300mm at my disposal (1.6x crop camera) to get some decent shots. I am not looking for any species in particular, even though I would love a bittern or a KF shot.
 
thanks cosmix. I did see that webpage, but it doesn't give any insights on the questions I'm asking. Photography-wise, is the Carlton hide my best bet?
 
Hi there i went on saturday there are about 6 hides if the kingfisher did show you would get a good shot of him with your lens. I have posted some tufted ducks from the one hide and if you are lucky and the water birds come nearer the hide like they did for me you should get some decent shots.Ask the warden inside the visitors centre and he will give you a map and advice.It was a nice place to walk round and you may be lucky and get the tree creeper he wouldn t stay still for me.
 
stylgeo said:
thanks cosmix. I did see that webpage, but it doesn't give any insights on the questions I'm asking. Photography-wise, is the Carlton hide my best bet?
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Dont know if Carlton is your best bet, used that as I was after the KF, there are another 2 hides on the way to Carlton which may be better for mixed birds, cant remember the names but they are opposite each other.
 
cosmix3 said:
Dont know if Carlton is your best bet, used that as I was after the KF, there are another 2 hides on the way to Carlton which may be better for mixed birds, cant remember the names but they are opposite each other.
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http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/bmmap2.jpg

Actually there are 3 ;)

the 2 opposite are east marsh pool and Teal Pool. there is also the John Baldwin Hide, but its quite hidden.
 
Thanks everybody for your replies. Ian that map is quite helpful! I guess that the best thing I could do would be to ask the warden for advice. Hopefully I'll have some photos to share :thumbs:
 
If you can sit in the Carlton Hide on the left side, a flock of Long Tailed Tits frequent the bushes just outside the window, there is also a Goldcrest that likes it there too, and a tree creeper (although i havent seen the tree creeper since last year) If the Kingfisher settles outside the hide you should get some ok pics with your lens, as it can get quite close. There are sparrowhawks, Buzzards etc all seen on the site too.

This might help as well :) http://www.brandonbirding.co.uk/sightings.asp
 
Thanks Ian, will try to get up early in the morning. Will defo try the Carlton Hide, since both cosmix and you suggested it! Will probably post the results tomorrow evening, if there's anything worth posting that is :)
 
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