My wife thinks I'm mad, sitting in a "cold and damp" shed for hours on end. It's not just about getting the images though, sometimes I sit back and just watch, you can take a lot onboard by doing that, even becoming familiar with flightpaths etc, even down to individual bird's habits. I'm currently swarmed with goldfinches, too many to count now, word must be spreading but they are relatively at ease, they know I'm there but they tolerate me to an extent, the "connection" you mention maybe.
I've never baited at my own hide, not through choice though really, although I am still researching it, I just don't think 'my' sparrowhawk is frequent enough to warrant it at the moment but maybe I'm wrong. Birds seem to have an extra sense when it comes to food and I'm quite certain she'd soon find it, we'll see. We rescued two corn snakes a few years ago (long story) and their food would make great bait, they are dead and frozen on purchase weaner rats.
I've always respected your work Den, sorry to see you stepping back.