Guide To Photographing Buzzards (Tragopan Hokki V3 Hide Test)
After a series of no shows down at the field hide I decided to see why the Buzzards weren't playing ball. I went home a different route and found a dead sheep that the Buzzards had been feasting on. I then decided to move it a use the carcass to my advantage. Join me to see if I was successful in capturing some images of one of our most successful large birds of prey. Not before time but I also announce the winner of the walking stick for the 2k subscriber giveaway.
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Oh my word, I can't believe that this video slipped through the net and I have only just seen it. Hearing my name called out as the winner of Simons walking stick is a bit surreal and crazy, but most of all I am totally stoked. I know this vlog was made a few months ago now and what a thoroughly enjoyable watch it was, the Buzzard footage and images are totally awesome, what a majestic bird they are. Totally nailed it Simon 👌👌👏👏 .. A massive thank you to everyone for your congratulations, it really is truly appreciated indeed 🙌🙌 .. Stay safe everyone.
How can you not love this guy.
Cheers Philip, have you been talking to my mum ?😆👊
I just sat down with a brew and started watching this vid… but had to do some emergency cleaning as I spit tea all over the settee when you mentioned the mint sauce 🤣🤣🤣 just the best narrative ever 👍👌
Haha, thanks for watching Paul 👀🎥
That pano shot has to be my favourite of your shots Simon.
Thanks Dean 👍
Great video. I just got a Hokki V3 two days ago and used it for the first time this morning.
Good stuff, hope you like it as much as I do.👍🏼
36 min. of pure enjoyment and your patience paid off in the end with some stunning images of the bussard. Very nice how you take us with you on your mini expedition so well explained…as if the spectator is there with you in that hide. Long live youtube … so much better than all the crap they show nowadays on tv. Keep on the good work… you can add another subscriber to your channel😀👍 Greetings from Amsterdam.
Hey Ron, thanks for the sub and welcome to the channel. Glad youre enjoying the channel, its great to have you along for the ride. 👍🏼📷👊
Hi Simon, Andrew here, another great video from you. FYI I don’t think you understand cold 😁, we have been at -15 deg cent in Ottawa a couple of days ago and this is not bad, we have been -28 deg cent and that’s without a windchill 😀
Cant compete with that mate, thats proper baltic. Stay safe and stay warm 😆👍🏼🔥
Loved it Simon, as a fellow Vlogger and Wildlife Photographer you are great to watch! The trip made me chuckle on the quiet! Lovely images of Buteo buteo... Not a big one on baited stuff with Birds of Prey but its tempting with some great shots like that! Great bit of info on your setup, nice to see how others do it! I always say everyday's a school day and well done for a great vlog mate! Keep them coming... all the best R :-) 😀👍
Cheers Richard, yeh I know where youre coming from but the carcass seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. They'd stripped it so much I had to make it look a bit more attractive!! Dont know if youve managed to get hold of a Hokki yet but I'd highly recommend one. All the best, Si 👍🏼👊
Just having my breakfast when u showed that sheep ‘ what were u thinking of ‘ 😬
Good job i didn't film miself dragging across the field!!😆😆
Nice one Simon... Congratulations Ian on winning the walking stick, it’s been so long I’m too old to walk far now anyways 😂😂👍
Haha, apologies for the wait 🤣🤣
Crackin video amazing success brilliant pictures Congratulations Ian on winning the walking stick
Thanks Steve 👍
Your so funny, it was cruel for me to listen. My ribs hurt with coughing as I have really bad Bronchitis at the moment. Listening to your conversation made them hurt even more 😅😅😅😅 God Bless You. Brilliant photographer.
Get well soon Stephen 👍🏼😃
Hi Simon, Some great tips and shots. It goes to show a little/lot of patience and perseverance can finally pay off. Congratulations to Ian, winner of the walking stick...🙂👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Eddie, its a waiting game for sure. All the best👊 👍
Not seen this before - great shots and kit. I don't have a good camera, but I do have some good camo - kit and know how to breath and stay quiet, I'm interested in our wildlife and will get myself a good camera when I can - (I have a canoe/kayak on the list first). Badgers & foxes are a favourite. Buzzards are sound. I had an idea seeing the snow there for an old tarp with some white spray on it - might be just thing - or just the real stuff. I like corvids they're so clever.
Sometimes its just about being out there and having the experience with the wildlife. The photos can come later!!👍🏼📷👌🏼 All the best Mark
Enjoying the fact your videos are longer than the average 10-15mins for photography visa, keep it up.
Nice one Chris, i was worried they were a bit long 👊👍🏼🎥
Brilliant - Came to you via Richard's stove review, glad I did. Subbed.
Cheers Aynsley, glad you are enjoying the channel👍🏼
Just Brilliant 😊😊😊
Cracking Simon
Cheers Col
Excellent video. I rate it at 4.5 fig bars. Would have been five but I ate half of one.
I'll take that Mike 😆👍🏼
Thanks Simon I've enjoyed all 3 of this series.
Cheers Dennis, glad you liked em 👍🏼🎥
Watched most of your videos now and they all have one thing in common: they make me want to go out and enjoy nature! Big thanks for that! Love your accent as well! Greetings from the Netherlands
Brilliant, thats the idea Rob. I must be doing something right eh !!👍🏼😀
brilliant simon lol a take it the 2 pairs of socks n plastic in between never worked, a will av to look into electric socks great video and content yet again keep it up simon
No Edward, had to resort to technology mate 😆😆🔥
Patience and perseverance ..... top draw! superb effort to get the shot!
Thanks Robin😀
Hi Simon, I always enjoy your videos. I think you are one of the best bloggers as you always show us the whole story, from the beginning to the end, showing us your gear, the setting and what you see when you are in the hide. Some bloggers talk and talk and only tell us what they see but they never show us anything but their face 😁! I also like the the duration of your videos, not just a couple of minutes. I always take a cup of tea and sit down to watch your adventures! Greetings from Amsterdam!
Thanks Gladys, what a lovely comment. So glad youre enjoying my channel and i really appreciate positive feedback from viewers. I love the Netherlands, we've been cycle touring a few times in youre beautiful country, great roads and so safe 👍🏼
Another great vid mate
Fantastic photos
Top stuff again Simon...more food for thought!! Cheers!!
Well done,great video
Well done Simon love your perseverance u nailed it once again 👌👍
Cheers Dean👍🏼👍🏼
Yet again a stunning video canon m50 working a treat, Congratulations to Ian on winning the stick. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
You too Rob, all the best . Thankyou 👍🏼
Another great film Simon. Me and the other half was just sitting down watching while eating our tea and I thought she was gonna through a Wobbler if she catches you dragging that carcass across the field. Glad you never showed that bit. All the best
Trust me Martin when i shifted it, the thing was that frozen you couldn't make out what it was!!😆maybe stick to The Chase at teatime, safer viewing🤣🤣 Cheers Si 👍🏼
I'm glad you are having a good time!
Nice photo Simon. Do you still use your chair hide any more for buzzards. Rodders keep them coming.
I do Rod, its just that Ive been using the low level hide a lot recently. Still think the Nitehawk is a great liitle blind👍🏼📷
Blooming enjoyed that, leading the way for perseverance you are.
Thanks Anthony, thats what you need photographing Buzzards for sure 📷😆
Brilliant as always Simon 👌👏
Thank you! Cheers!
Brilliant, Simon! As you say, patience, perseverance and knowledge of the subject is key. You have to get inside the mind of the animal. Even then success is not guaranteed. Your enthusiasm is an inspiration, well done. And congratulations to Ian on winning the stick! 👍🏻
Thanks Steve, appreciate the comments 👍🏼👍🏼
you all probably dont care at all but does someone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot the password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me.
@Stetson Dayton instablaster =)
@Julio Quinn I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Julio Quinn It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out!
Yu got some awesome shots, I thought I was patient sitting in a hide for 3-4 hrs, making me reassess. Greetings from Australia
Thanks Ruben 👍🏼
Great shots...you deserve those after all that effort, good one.
Thanks a lot Roger 👍🏼
Fascinating and excellenlty presented
Quality Simon ! , keep up the good work, videos keep on getting better every time :-)
Thanks 👍
Nice one Simon. Went out today for the same reason, to photograph Buzzards on a Deer carcas. Learned from your video that i was too close and definitely not patient enough. Thanks Simon, learning all the time.
Nice one Robin, you've certainly gotta put the hours in. Good luck with your project.👍🏼📷
Another great inspirational video, always pleased to get notified that you’ve posted a new one. Some great shots, the sheep carcass turned out to be a real winner. Stay safe and keep ‘em coming! 👍🏻😀
Thanks Max, i'll certainly keep em coming. All the best mate👊👍
Another grand un Simon. Excellent fieldcraft again.
Thanks Lee
Try not to trip, it gets you down 🤣 great vid Simon, loved the shots 😎👍
🤣🤣Cheers Laurence
Once again another quality video Simon. Stay well.
Many thanks James
Perseverance pays off! Well done, excellent shots.
Thankyou Richard
Great video again Simon. You have built up a really good collection of Buzzard shots now. Totally nailed it!
Many thanks Dave, a few more ideas in the pipeline yet!!📷
Nice one again Simon, some Stunning shots with the rack of lamb, watched without the coffee this time good job really with that slip in the sloe,lol keep me coming... All the best Mike E...
Glad you enjoyed it Mike 👍🏼
Awesome stuff as ever
Thankyou 👍🏼
Great video and nice pictures,
Many thanks Mark👍🏼📷
Another cracking video well put together 👍
Thanks Paul👍
Great video Simon it's all about patience and planning :)
Exactly Chris👍🏼
Great birding vlog, loved it. Happy birding! 🙂
Thank you! 😀
Love the video Simon!, I'm trying to capture buzzards too, but I'm finding it difficult ...I will get it some day ;). Every time I see you drinking tea or coffee out of that flask I wonder how is it posible that the milk doesn't go off....looking forward for your next video.
Best of luck with the Buzzards Elizabeth and I've never known milk to go off in a flask in my life😆😆 You must use a different technique to me 👀☕️
Brilliant Simon great field work .
Thanks Paul 👍🏼
Awesome shots. First of your videos I've watched, great stuff. Between yourself and Espen, I think I'm going to have to consider investing in a Hokki. Got a bit of a thing about the local buzzards, but can't get close to them.
Thanks Tommy, it'll certainly give you the edge. Not the comfiest but great for getting close to your subjects 👀📷
Fantastic video Si, playing catch up with your films , I’ve missed them. Great work 👍
Thanks Paul, great to hear from you mate.👊👍🏼
Fantastic Video, Full of information & tips, TY
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great stuff Simon! I’m starting a Buzzard project so all of this is a great help in pointing me in the right direction. 👍🏻
Cheers Johnathan, good luck with the project 👍🏼
Loved the blog mate, great work and again the effort has paid off once more, stunning shots, and nice to see you back on the Figs, thought you had given yourself a New Years Res...... Theres no way I could lie like that for 5+ hours, I would probaly fall asleep and miss the action....LOL... keep up the good work..
Cheers Keith, I wont lie but this hide is just made for power napping!!😆Ive probably missed allsorts when Ive nodded off. All the best, Si 👍🏼📷👊
Great job. I've gotta work on that patience bit.
Without a doubt one of the most essential qualities of any wildlife photographer Kevin !!👀👀👍🏼
Excellent vlog Simon, patience is the name of the game. Great images well deserved given the conditions you put up with.
Glad you enjoyed it👍🏼😆
Fab video Simon and big congrats to Ian on wiinning the walking stick. Your channel has become a firm fav mate keep them coming 😉
Thanks Darren, glad youre enjoying the content.😀👍🏼
Nice one Simon great video and nice shots
Many thanks Adrian.
Hi again Simon, keep up the great vlogs. As you said Ottawa is a change from Bolton for me😀 cheers mate
Fantastic as always Simon look forward to your next vlog Stay safe &well.
Thanks, you too Neil 👍🏼
Another great one Simon you did well 👍
Thanks Nigel 👍
Lovely video simon
Cheers Bernard👍🏼
Fabulous Simon and definitely the way to do it 👌
Cheers Paul, yeh it worked a treat!!👀👍📷
Been getting some nice buzzard flight shots but really must try this carcass lark great stuff well done ! 👍😍
Yeh it can certainly work in the right location. 👍👀
10 out of 10 for effort Simon, great video. Really like the look of that hide and the resulting shots were stunning. Cheers Keith
Thankyou Keith, it's a great hide .👍
Top stuff. Seriously enjoyed this. I;ve learnt alot from you and need to up my game. I;ve never thought about baiting things before. I know a great place to try this.
Cheers Paul, this was a carcass that was found in the field where i regularly see the Buzzards. I just dragged into a more suitable spot near the field edge.
Brilliant video, very helpful and informative. Many thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul👍🏼
Great vid again Simon war lass does her nut when i go out in weather like this due to my heart condition but i love it went out the other day for raptors on fence posts as all the marsh pools were frozen so no water birds got sod all but still came home smiling as i found myself a great log for the garden to use as a prop and put that d500 to some good use, looking forward to the next one all the best Andy 📸👍
Thats what its all about Andy, getting out there and just being in nature and experiencing the wonderful world we live in. Its not always about the shot eh!! All the best and stay safe👍🏼👊
Hi Simon Look forward to your videos and love the down to earth approach to them .. great content, I also love wildlife photography.. bit obsessed my good lady reckons lol! Keep taking the fig rolls😊👍👍🤣
Theres a lot worse things to be obsessed by Mark!!😆Glad youre enjoying the content👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks Simon, nice conclusion to this trilogy with the little hide . some really nice footage of the Buzzards Cant remember the last time I had a fig roll. I just noticed that your subscribers has hit the 3K, Congrats even if I am a bit late Stay well, Stay safe
Glad you enjoyed it John and thanks for the comments.👍🏼👊
Another brilliant video Simon your style makes me smile, well needed in current times. Ive bought the Nighthawk chair hide after viewing your review using it in the garden. Ever thought about running workshops?
Thanks John, I appreciate your comments. Once all this lot is over I may well consider it👍🏼
Crackin video as always, and fantastic footage...well done...out in my new hide this weekend and was thinking about grub to take...can't beat a fig roll....lol
Cheers Richard, good luck in your hide and hope you get some results. Aye cant beat a fig or two 😆👍🏼
Great vlog again Simon. So much valuable advice for us just beginning to start this wonderful journey into wildlife photography. I've had a go and made my own diy ground hide last october, stayed in it for a few hours and only managed to get pheasants, but the thing I noticed most from the experience was the neck ache for a few days after! Lol.
Oh yes the dredded neck ache😆. Its a killer, I find spinning over onto my back and having a stretch helps but youre right youre gonna suffer in a ground hide!!!!👍🏼
Great vlog mate always love watching you I’ve ordered a nighthawk hide should have it end of week so will go to my sisters farm and see what I can get pics of keep up the good work mate
Nice one Dave, good luck in the new hide.
Thanks mate will do a vlog if i can
Hi Simon I have just read Ian’s story good choice.
Nice film enjoyed it. Subbed looking forward to watching your old films now
Thanks for the sub Benjamin, welcome to the channel👍🏼
Fantastic Simon 👍. Great stuff, it's hard enough getting that quality of pics but doing it and film making/vlogging at the same time is another level. Really great stuff and thanks for the amazing content, tips and tricks . Id have been frightened of breaking my teeth on those frozen fig biscuits lol but better than tackling that sheep even with mint sauce lol 😃. Great footage and pics as always. Deserve your own slot on countryfile or similar 🙂👍. Atb fella Rick n Billy
Cheers Rick, dont think people realise what a faff vlogging can be but its worth it when you see the finished film. You can tell its baltic when its freezing your figs eh!!😆🥶 All the best, Si 👊👍🏼
Another great video! I'm hooked on your videos! What are the wellies you're wearing in this one?
Thanks Joe, these are Hunter 5mm neoprene wellies. Cheers for watching mate 👍🏼👀
I am really enjoying your content as I am just getting back into wildlife photography I hope to get a tragopan hokki v3 in the future but for now will have to make do with the nighthawk chair hide keep up the great content
Good stuff Andrew, the V3 is a great hide.
Hi Simon, I’m new to your channel and have really enjoyed your posts both old and new! I noticed you’ve referred to your poor cold on a few occasions I feel your pain. A friend had pointed we towards sorel caribou boots he’s a pro wildlife photographer based in Scotland he swears by them. I have just ordered a pair.
Welcome aboard, ive had a look and they are a sweet pair of boots. Seriously tempted and also like the fact that the liners come out👍🏼🔥🦶🏼
Another amazing video Simon watched in Spain at a balmy 20+ degrees. I really miss the seasons of the uk and in my opinion probably the best and most diverse wildlife in the world. We may a warmer weather here in Spain but wildlife is nowhere near as good. Keep up the great work and I look forward to the next video... Graham
Seems ages ago since it was 20 degrees over here!!😀. Totally agree about the seasons though Graham. Wouldn't be anywhere else mate 👍🏼🌏
Happy Christmas to you and your family I hope you a very happy and safe time and the same for the new year
You too Paul and thanks for supporting the channel. ATB, Si⛄🎄👍
Super video yet again, when I did my video last week, it was like sitting on a long haul flight in the single seat hide not being able to move for 6-8 hours 🤦♀️😆 the sheep carcass looks great especially with the rib cage showing 👍😁
I feel youre pain Amanda, try 8 hours in a ground hide and you'll feel like you were in first class in the Nitehawk😆🤣 I looked at youre video, maybe move the hide a bit further back, it looked a bit close on the film and a good idea to get there in the dark. Buzzards can be a nightmare to photograph. Best of luck👍🏼
@@simoneardley yes I think it was a tad bit close, no worries I’ll try again when I’m off work, hopefully it won’t be so cold ❄️😁 oh btw you can subscribe if ya like 👍😆
Great video Simon! I´ve spent a looot of hours in hides waiting for buzzards...and they are unpredictable, I would say. One day two come a minute after I settle in the hide...the next day I wait for 5 hours and nothing comes. Anyway, I cannot wait for Sunday when I´m going out to the hide again! :)
Nice one Petr, good luck with your session. Yep a very unpredictable bird but so worth it when you get the shots!👍🏼👀📷
Nice video Simon. Hope you're keeping ok..
Thanks Simon, yeh doing good thanks. Like everyone I'll be glad when all this is over, its put a real spanner in the works as far as new projects, ideas, plans and so forth. Because I've not had the channel going for too long I really wanted to get some new content out and travel restrictions had scuppered a lot of things. Nice doing some local exploring though. Hope youre keeping well too mate and keep the films coming 👍🏼📷🎥
@@simoneardley glad you're getting out locally. The situation sucks doesn't it and still I see plenty of people carrying as if nothing is happening. I'm in a similar position to you in that I had travel and project plans but all on hold to some degree. Let's hope things will improve but we're in for the long haul here. All the best.
Top video again Simon, great tips and proof that they work... By the way I've tried searching Ghyll Crag,( is that what's written on your hat?) ... I fancy one of them... are they available?
Thanks Steve, I think Ghyll and Crag had stopped production at the moment according to the website. www.ghyllandcrag.com
Great vid Simon never a truer word spoken "perseverance" got a chair hide for Christmas can't complain the v6 will have to wait but really excited at having a go once this pesky covids gone. Got the location got the hide got a perch all I need is a dead sheep carcass 🤣. ps Got the mark 1 adjustable perch in the garden on trial mark 2 will follow so keeping the fingers crossed will send you a pic when I get something cheers mate stay safe. 👍
Nice one Graeme, I look forward to seeing some results from your DIY endeavours. Best of luck.
Going to try my luck at Buzzards over Xmas, a couple land on the school field where l work, early morning!
Good luck, theyre tricky customers 🤞🏼👀
@@simoneardley Thanks Simon, will show you if l manage to get any decent captures!
Fantastic love watching your work. I just wish that I could physically do this as I'm disabled and not able lay or sit very long in one position. I got some lovely Red Kite photos from my back garden last week. I was so lucky as I only had to wait 20 mins. I do a lot of trail Camera filming and find it fascinating what is out there where I live in Milton Keynes then go back with my Nikon 750 and 150-600m sigma lens to try and capture them. Just invested in some good Camo gear, but not able to sit , lay or stand for too long. As for cold weather, that I will leave to you lol. Thanks for sharing your work.
Thanks for that, sorry to hear about youre mobility issues. Must be really frustrating. Good job with the Kites, they don't seem to get up near us. Glad youre enjoying the channel 👍🏼👊
Great video Simon! Some great tips and advise on the Tragopan blind. Been thinking about it for some time now. Quick question, what shoulder bag are you using to store your vlogging stuff/food? It looks like a nice size and not too rigid. Cheers
Hi Rajmy, the tragopan blinds are fantastic mate. The bag you asked about is a Helikon Bushcraft Satchel.👍🏼
@@simoneardley thanks! Will check it out. Cheers and fantastic videos. I especially like the latest bushcraft Richards Trough stove.
Cracking video Simon, lovely shots and footage. As you are my go-to expert on buzzard photography have you any idea how I can retrieve my pheasant? I followed your instructions and tie-wrapped him to a large log. Everything was going fine until the Trent burst its banks and the fields behind us flooded. I believe he is now on a rafting package tour and just outside Zeebrugge 😂😂 Cheers mate👍
🤣🤣 Well that Pheasants getting more of a holiday that anyone else at the moment!! I'm going over to Holland later in the year🤞hopefully. I'll keep an eye open for him 😆😆Nice one Scott
In your experience with the Buzzards, would you say they have a time period when they prefer to feed? Also, thanks for the beanbag its excellent.
Not really, theyre very opportunistic feeders. If they see something and theyre hungry they'll come down for it. You've just got to make sure they don't see you getting into position, they're not daft!!👀😆😆
I'd love to be able to spend hours laying in those hides but unfortunately my back only allows an hour or so any longer and I struggle to stand up lol. I have to resort to sitting in dug holes instead which works but just isn't always practical 👍
I understand Shaun, things you do eh in pursuit of an image!!😆👍🏼📷
Crackin.