Crested tit

The Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) is a charming little bird with a distinctive punk hairstyle that really makes it stand out. It is both bold and fearless, which makes it especially fun to photograph. The Crested Tit is strongly associated with old-growth forests, where it finds the habitat it needs to survive. On my land, there is a patch of old-growth forest that attracts many Crested Tits, and they thrive here among the older spruces and pines, as well as the dead wood.

Season for Photographing Crested Tit

You can photograph Crested Tits from September through the end of May. The best activity is typically from November, throughout the winter, and into early spring. If you want to capture Crested Tits in snow or frosty landscapes, January and February are recommended, though snow and frost can also occur in November, December, March, and April. November is particularly good for capturing stunning images of Crested Tits in a fall landscape with red and yellow hues.

The hide for Crested Tits is situated in an old-growth forest with a rich stand of pines and spruces. Here, the stones and ground are covered with moss, and in some areas, there is also beard lichen. This is an ideal area for photographing Crested Tits. Additionally, the sunsets filter through the treetops, creating magical light for evening photography. You will also be able to get very close to the Crested Tits due to their fearless nature.

In the old-growth forest, it is quite dark in the mornings and evenings. Therefore, I have installed lighting outside the hide to serve as fill light for the Crested Tit’s plumage. The Crested Tit is a very frequent visitor to the hide. For good photos, one session is usually sufficient, but if you want different weather conditions and varied situational shots, it may be beneficial to book two sessions.

Camera & Lenses

When you’re in my photography hides, you can get really close to all the woodland birds, including the Crested Tit. I recommend using a 300-400 mm lens for portraits.

Times for Crested Tit

Depending on the activity of the raptors, you should enter the hide about half an hour before sunrise and stay as long as you wish in the hide.

Things to Bring to the Crested Tit Hide

The Crested Tit hide is currently set up with stationary tent hides (an update is underway). In the hide, you will use your own tripod. This hide is primarily for one or two people. You should bring something to eat and drink. A flashlight or headlamp is also good to have.

Vad mer kan du se & fotografera?

När du tittar på och fotograferar tofsmes har du också chansen att se många olika skogsfåglar, främst de mer utpräglade barrskogsfåglarna, men allt kan dyka upp i skogsgömslet. Se artlista.

Are the Hides Only for Photographers?

You don’t need to be a photographer to enjoy sitting in a hide and observing Crested Tits. It’s a fantastic experience even without a camera. However, the hides are designed with photographers in mind, featuring multiple openings for lenses, mounting equipment, bean bags, and more. All my hides are carefully planned to provide you with the best angles and the most beautiful backgrounds possible.

What can you photograph in the hides?

BADGER

Badgers are fascinating to study and photograph, partly because of their iconic black-and-white facial markings. They are active in the evening and at night, which makes capturing them in photos especially exciting.

COMMON BUZZARD

The Common Buzzard is an impressive raptor that visits my photo hides in pairs. It’s exciting to photograph them as they compete for food, and their beautiful plumage can create fantastic images.

CRESTED TIT

The Crested Tit is a small, lively, and unshy coniferous forest bird. With its distinctive crest and beautiful plumage, it is a fascinating and charming species to get close to and photograph in its natural habitat.

GOSHAWK

The Goshawk is known for its hunting skills and sharp vision. In my photo hides, you have a great chance to get close and photograph this majestic raptor, which is otherwise rarely seen in the forest.

FOREST BIRDS

In my photo hides, you can get close to and photograph species such as the Eurasian Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coal Tit, and Treecreeper. You’ll capture stunning images of these forest birds with their unique and beautiful details.