Thanks Gil, hopefully be seeing large flocks of these soonLovely photo Roger, great light and composition
Thanks Gil, hopefully be seeing large flocks of these soom
So much work been going on at Slimbridge that it has affected bird numbers around some of the hides ... good to have Bittern and the annual influx of Bewicks though.1000,s on Greylake [emoji16]
It's now fully open Jan and is better than I feared it would be, the open top is good for those with scopes & binos but not so good for photography as there are high glass barriers to much of the viewing area. The other floor has opening windows (or they will after snagging ... currently some seized shut and handles pulled off!) and good wooden seats ... overall the view around all sides is reduced from the old Holden Tower. Excellent facility for the disabled with a lift etc.Got to love a teal
Is the replacement for the Holden tower open now? It wasn't quite finished when I was last there but looked quite impressive, but I think you expressed a rumour about the windows not opening? Hopefully not true and it's like the South Lake hide.
It's now fully open Jan and is better than I feared it would be, the open top is good for those with scopes & binos but not so good for photography as there are high glass barriers to much of the viewing area. The other floor has opening windows (or they will after snagging ... currently some seized shut and handles pulled off!) and good wooden seats ... overall the view around all sides is reduced from the old Holden Tower. Excellent facility for the disabled with a lift etc.
Thanks JohnNice shot,Roger. Love the reflection.
Reading your account it doesn't look to me like a a successful project..well not for photographers. No good on top due to the glass barriers which they'd have had to have re health & safety and common sense anyway and a restricted view compared to Holden on the other floor once you get the windows open.. Seems the handles are off caused by frustrated photographers but at least you say the seats are good so they can struggle in comfort..lol. You'd have thought they'd have checked them. Can you still see the 'perch' ? All in all I think you're being too polite.
At least photographers with heavy gear can get the lift to the first floor..the bit Jan didn't like, with good reason so in that sense, an improvement. I wasn't comfortable coming down them, they were very steep.
Good job the other hides haven't been 'upgraded'
Thanks John
Yes, you can still see 'the perch' and have a good view across the top of the area of bushes and beyond.
The windows sticking will be resolved with snagging but I'm not sure that the opening handles will be up to the use they will get ... the hydraulic stays are a good feature though. I think the problem at the moment is that the work has disturbed the birds from the area close to the hide and it won't be until the birds feel comfortable in returning that we will truly know whether it is better or worse for photographers ... the 'elephant in the room' is the open top of the hide.
Good job the other hides haven't been 'upgraded'
Can't say I've heard anything about the Rushy being improved JanI wish they'd get on and upgrade the Rushy hide - it's terrible for someone my size. I have to stand on the steps, so long as I can get to them, and I can't move around. I was told it was going to be replaced, but that was several years ago. It's one of my favourite places for photography.
Cheers KevA Beauty Gramps fantastic colours
I wish they'd get on and upgrade the Rushy hide - it's terrible for someone my size. I have to stand on the steps, so long as I can get to them, and I can't move around. I was told it was going to be replaced, but that was several years ago. It's one of my favourite places for photography.
I didn’t know there were intentions to do something with Rushy. It is a very good hide. Do think they might let you in with a light step. Like those some people gave as a step into a Bath. I’m sure they would. You could get a light but strong plastic one. You shouldn’t have to struggle if there’s a simple solution.
Of course I could take my own step, John, but I'd have to drag it around with me all day when I'm already carrying camera + 150-600 lens, bins, monopod or beanbag, rucksack with bits and pieces. I'm a no-longer-as-young-as-I-was, 5ft 1, 8st in my boots and coat lady, not a pack mule............... TBH it's fine so long as it's quiet in there, and most of the time when we get there it is. Ever noticed you rarely get youngsters in there............?