The photohides for mammals, birds of prey and forest birds

Photo hide

Toilet inside the photography hide (in a separate room for optimal comfort)

Heating stove available (you won’t be cold)

Accommodates two people

High ceiling in the photography hide: 1.8 meters – 2 meters

Overnight options (bring your own sleeping pad and sleeping bag)

Mounting plates for ball heads

Bean bags available for those who prefer them

Four photo windows, two of which are at ground level

Fans by the windows to remove condensation, allowing you to have a clear view of the bait station even on the coldest days

Outdoor lighting (for dark mornings & evenings, as well as creative lighting setups)

Water reflection

250 meters from where you park your car

After walking through the old forest, you’ll arrive at my primary photography hide for photographing goshawks, buzzards, and other forest birds during winter, spring, and autumn. In May/June and September/October, the hide is also used for photographing badgers.

Located in a beautiful environment between pine and spruce forests, deciduous trees, and farmland, the hide is designed for two people. You can get close to the birds of prey, with platforms around 10 meters from the hide. Additionally, there’s a water reflection where birds of prey and other forest birds come down to drink or eat, with bait also placed here. There’s also a platform for smaller forest birds, such as treecreepers, coal tits, and willow tits, only one or two meters from the hide.

Outside the hide, there is lighting for dark mornings or evenings, which can also be used for creative lighting effects. The platforms in front of the hide are regularly maintained to provide the best photographic results. Perches are frequently replaced to add variety to the images captured from the hide, along with other elements like rocks, trees, and moss. The backgrounds are also carefully planned to create consistent and clean backgrounds for your photo subjects.

These are just a few features that make this photography hide a joy for photographing birds of prey and forest birds.

Rules & Etiquette in the Hide

Trash & Waste: Visitors are required to take all trash out of the hide. No waste should be left inside the hide or its surroundings.

Leave the Hide as You Found It: You are expected to leave the hide in the same condition as when you arrived.

Damage or Improvements: As a visitor, you are encouraged to report any damage or suggestions for improvements to the hide. This helps ensure a safe and comfortable photo experience for everyone.

Turn Off Lights: Visitors are asked to turn off all lights when leaving the hide.

Do Not Hang Items Over the Heater: It is strictly prohibited to hang anything over the heater. This is to avoid any potential safety hazards and maintain the safety standards of the hide.

Mounting Ball Heads: The photo hide is equipped with specially designed plates with 3/4-inch screws for easy and stable mounting of ball heads. Please bring your own ball head.

Bean Bags: One to two bean bags are available in each hide.

How to get the best images

Badger, Raptors, and Other Forest Birds: Rules & Etiquette in the Hide: How to get the best images

Badger:

Silence is Key: Badgers are shy, so maintain silence to avoid scaring them away. Avoid banging or loud noises, and speak quietly (whisper).

Avoid Movements That May Startle: Do not extend arms outside the hide or make sudden movements that might scare the badger. Small, calm movements with your camera are recommended. Larger Movements When Feeding or Drinking: Larger camera movements should be done while the badger is eating or drinking, as it will be less likely to be disturbed by camera movements during these times.

Lighting Use: Badgers do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Generally, badgers are not afraid of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the badgers.

Scents & Perfumes: Avoid strong scents like perfumes or other chemicals that may scare the badgers. Use fragrance-free products to minimize the risk of deterrence.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing the badger, raptors, or other animals in the area. By respecting these guidelines, you contribute to a respectful and ethical environment for badger photography and the well-being of the animals.

Raptors:

Silence is Key: Try to be as quiet as possible in the hide. Avoid loud noises, such as dropping items like a thermos. Speak softly (whisper).

Avoid Sudden Camera Movements: Raptors, including the buzzard and goshawk, are sensitive. Some juvenile buzzards may be especially cautious. Set up your camera and aim it at the platform before it gets light to be prepared for the raptors’ arrival. You may switch between small birds and the raptor platform, but do so with smooth, non-jerky movements.

Start Photographing After Feeding: For the best results, start photographing raptors once they begin eating. They are usually more settled and accustomed to the surroundings. Avoid moving the camera when they first land on the platform, as they may fly away.

Lighting Use: Raptors do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Generally, raptors are not scared of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the raptors or other forest birds.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing the raptors or other animals in the area. By following these guidelines, you create a respectful and ethical environment for raptor photography and contribute to the well-being of the animals.

Crested tits & Other Forest Birds:

Speak Softly: None of the forest birds are particularly shy of low-frequency conversation or other sounds. Avoid speaking loudly or making banging noises. Nutcrackers may react to loud talking or unnatural sounds. If waiting for raptors or owls, be as quiet as possible.

Camera Movements: Forest birds like the crested tit, coal tit, and others are not particularly afraid of camera movements. Still, try to minimize these as much as possible. Nutcrackers, however, can be very sensitive to camera movements when landing close to the hide.

Lighting Use: Forest birds do not react shyly to artificial light. Feel free to turn lights on and off as needed to optimize photographic conditions.

Camera Noise: Forest birds are not afraid of the camera shutter. Use “silent mode” on your camera if available.

No Food Throwing: Absolutely no throwing of your own food to the forest birds visiting the feeding stations.

Flash: Flash photography is not allowed in the hide. However, artificial lighting outside the hide can be used.

Leaving the Hide: Do not leave the hide before the designated time to avoid disturbing nearby raptors or other animals. By following these guidelines, you create a respectful and ethical environment for photographing forest birds and contribute to their well-being and natural behavior.