3 Hides in 1 Day, Part 2 - The Kestrel Hide

[@chrisendsor7736]

Dan i would not worry about anyone saying "pay and display" Those pictures of the kestrel flying towards you are breathtaking. love the banter between you and your old man as well. Hats off to you both.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers mate, appreciated as always and really appreciate the support 👍🏻

[@cerealkiller4248]

The shot at 9:00 is my favourite Kestrel shot of all time. The pose of the bird, the pose of the unfortunate mouse/vole although sad, was amazing……………

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I will pass that onto Pops as I know he will be made up with that comment 👍🏻

[@toddfancher7400]

LOL Pop's took the words out of my mouth.... You can will your camera gear to me Pops.. lol

[@danwillis_photography]

😂😂😂😂 Thanks very much Todd I really appreciate it mate👍🏻

[@zebeddy]

Having a break from wildlife photography for a while but always make sure I watch your videos. Really great stuff and love your enthusiasm for all your videos. Also lovely to see how you and Pops bounce off each other :)

[@danwillis_photography]

Hope to see you back taking some wildlife photos soon Day. Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@zebeddy]

@@danwillis_photography cheers Dan. Have a small trip booked to Norfolk for seals later this year. Really looking forwards to the barn owl video. Such a majestic bird and your enthusiasm will be a fantastic formula 💪🏼

[@danwillis_photography]

@@zebeddy thanks mate, I appreciate that. Hope it meets the expectation 🤞🏻

[@JosephPiotter]

You sir..........are an underrated photographer. Amazing captures

[@danwillis_photography]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate it Joseph 👍🏻

[@marktaylor1597]

Great piece again Dan. Wonderful descriptions and such excitement on yours and Pops faces. I'm going there on the 21st Sept, can't wait. Any hide tips very welcome 😅

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mark I really appreciate it. Tips wise I would say, don't take your eye off those perches for a second, they were in so quickly from the off and the flight shots as they come in and go out are fantastic. Have a fantastic time and please pass on my regards to both Des and Chris who I know doubt you will meet on the day. All the best 👍🏻

[@desmondmaguire8955]

Fab as usual Dan and Pops, well done! Magnificent birds, absolutely stunning. I want part 3 NOW!!! Cheers Des

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Des I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Awesome stuff again guys! I’ve looked at Des’ site many times, but not yet booked a visit; well overdue! Fantastic video Dan, & I literally spat my coffee everywhere when you were winding Pops up with the wind muffler on your mic! Don’t leave him your gear Pops, he doesn’t know how to use it anyway! 🤣🤣🤣 Seriously guys, amazing stuff. There will always be be those that are against ‘hide photography’; but as you say there’s still no guarantee that they will come to the perches, & if they do it usually happens in a flash & you have to be ready for it - with the right settings & a dollop of good fortune. It’s not a given by any means, but when it all comes together; it produces some magical images. I had a very similar experience with a kestrel family down here in Suffolk back in May; just awesome to witness, let alone get great photographs of. Looks like Des definitely knows his onions, those perches & the distances are bang on for blown out smooth as butter backgrounds 👌 Join me for a winter trip to a Sparrowhawk hide, with the probability of Buzzard too & dare I say it… possibly Goshawk too! 🦅 Fantastic stuff Dan & Pops! Looking forward to part 3 for the Barnies! 🦉 Keep on keeping on! Best, Nick

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nick I always really appreciate it mate. The winter trip sounds interesting, drop me an email or message on my socials mate and lets get something sorted out 👍🏻

[@alexanderblades8078]

Great piece as usual. The calling of young Kestrels begging to be fed has to be one of the classic sounds of late summer when out walking in areas where they have nested. Looking forward to the Barn Owls!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Alexander I really appreciate it. I totally agree with you about the sound of kestrels and late summer 👍🏻

[@jamessaxon3859]

Amazing to see the birds were very tolerant and patient. Wonderful photos of one of my favorite birds. Thanks for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much James I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Another outstanding video as always Dan. All your images were just fantastic but the in-flight shots were just stunning. Looking forward to next week with the barn owls. 👍😀

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it. I'm glad that you enjoyed it mate 👍🏻

[@richardchew1767]

Dan and Pops .... amazing photos and video yet again from a unique hide 🙂 I can't wait for part 3 with the Barn Owls .... plus Pop's revenge for your "wind up" 😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. All the very best 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

What a fantastic experience! I've been looking forward to watching this one all week. That's a great idea for a hide. So many hides are built for bird watchers and don't always work ideally for bird photographers. Making a trailer into a hide is just brilliant and I love the positioning of those perches giving perfect out-of-focus backgrounds. I was surprised to see the Kestral eating the feathers as much as it did. PS. You do realise that Pops will be working on his revenge at some stage.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

😂😂 oh I know only too well that Pops will be plotting his revenge! Thanks John, you are absolutely spot on about the hides and thought into the perches. Des has put a lot of thought into this pace leading to some fantastic opportunities for shots. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@adelacour]

Beautiful photography once again, I have to admit to being a teeny bit squeamish in my old age, and found a couple of the images slightly difficult to look at, but hey that's just me, it didn't distract from the creativeness and execution of the images. Can I also say that some of us could do with subtitles when you are whispering :). Lovely stuff again Dan, looking forward to the Barn Owls. P.S. have fun back at school :)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it. I had thought about subtitles but thought that you could turn them on through KZbin as an option? All the best mate 👍🏻

[@raysanders332]

Dan, just for your information, I had signed up for being notified about this second video, but was not notified. Great video as always.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention Ray, I’ll definitely look into it. Thanks and all the best mate 👍🏻

[@StefanCrysell]

@danwillis_photography absolutely lovely! I've been lucky enough to have a nest site that I've found seen 10 fledglings over 3 years! Magic. Do you think the fledglings sound like a slipping cam belt? 😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stefan I really appreciate it. Now you have mentioned it, they definitely do sound like a slipping cam belt 😂😂😂 All the best 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Fabulous video Dan & Pops. Very enjoyable not only the shots of the Kestrels, but also the interaction between you two.The trick you played on Pops was so funny, but I am sure he will be planning revenge!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob I really appreciate it. One thing for sure, Pops will be planning his revenge 😂 All the best mate 👍🏻

[@chrishardman586]

Another great video. Those kestrels are beautiful. I hope Pops gets his revenge.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Chris I really appreciate it. Pops will definitely get his revenge at some point 😂

[@martynhall1752]

Wow that was absolutely amazing stunning video footage, Dan & Pops you both got some fantastic photos truly amazing thank you Dan for making this video and sharing it with us. Martyn

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Martyn I really appreciate it. Comments such as yours definitely make it worthwhile 👍🏻

[@brownie3609]

Some top shots there guys. Congratulations

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Steven I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@stephencooper8565]

Wow stunning video, to be so close to these amazing birds gives you the chance to bring out so much detail you would not achieve if not in a hide. Love the prank and luck forward to the barn owl one day. Thanks Dan and Pops 👍👏👏

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stephen I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@BrianWelshPhotography]

after watching the buzzard vlog I was looking fwd to this ..absolutely stunning images 📸👌

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Looked like an absolutely awesome experience, might have to treat myself to one of these. Can’t wait for the barn owl hide. Thanks

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Alex I really appreciate it. Would definitely recommend a visit to these hides 👍🏻

[@tonyw3250]

Great as always, now I can't wait for the barn owls

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Tony I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

What amazing images! Love the feather detail! Great to see Pops in the field again!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@dalemews1]

Lovely images of my favourite falcon.....Dan you're wicked, your poor old dad!😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Dale I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@andywhiteside16]

what an absolute stunning bird the kestrel is, craving video Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@nigelroberson8911]

Awesome images from both of you. Fantastic location.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nigel I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

Last week absolutely fantastic. But this has got to be one of my favourite vlog yet to photograph the spectacular Kestrel’s. That was so funny with pops 😂😂 Looks forward to seeing the 🦉🦉

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John, that's high praise indeed mate. As always I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@sangliersepromene]

Beautiful images . Trying these hides, even if the aesthetics of some supports could be improved.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much. Des would definitely welcome your feedback on perches etc. All the best 👍🏻

[@LouisaLee63]

Awesome!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Louisa I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@RichardUpstanding]

Nice one 👍🏻 Don’t stress the pay and display haters - although I don’t use them much myself it’s obvious that these hides offer opportunities for great and different shots that natural situations just rarely if ever do.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard I really appreciate it and for your thoughts on the matter 👍🏻

[@davemnhunt123]

I love the hide idea, and will be putting one together. Might add some sound insulation though as it sounds quite echoey - not too much chatting chaps 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Dave, I definitely agree with you on the sound insulation. Anything to reduce the risk of disturbing wildlife is always a positive 👍🏻

[@davemnhunt123]

@@danwillis_photography Love watching you and Pops on your photography adventures - keep up the good work chaps 🙂

[@danwillis_photography]

@@davemnhunt123 thank you 🙏🏻

[@roaminginraymond]

Stunning photos and video yet again, although I felt sad that the mouse was dead, but it's nature and it's the way it is, but I still always feel torn being such a huge lover of wildlife, nature and animals in general. The music is beautiful that accompanies it all too. Fancy winding your Dad up 😂 Another lovely video and a pleasure to watch.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. On a separate note are the comments made by Helen or Karl, either way I appreciate it but would like to personalise my response 👍🏻

[@roaminginraymond]

@danwillis_photography the comments are made by Helen and fully understand what you mean.🙂

[@danwillis_photography]

@@roaminginraymond thanks very much Helen ☺️

[@joncothranphotography9375]

WOW!!! That was so very cool! Thanks again for letting me hang out with you and Pops! So wonderful! Tara!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon, as always I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@robhowardphotography6439]

Super video mate ! What cracking little Falcons they are. Wet myself laughing at your prank on Pops.....I hope he's plotting his revenge ! 😂👍

[@danwillis_photography]

😂😂 I'm really glad that you enjoyed mate, as always thank you for your continued support mate 👍🏻

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

That was great and fun! I was hammering the shutter as they flew in! Believe it or not, my favourite kestrel hide is in a local brewery. It looks out over a paddock that kestrels hunt in. The odd sea eagles flyover too. I get a window seat, and try not to look away too much.

[@danwillis_photography]

That sounds like the most amazing Kestrel hide, is it open to the public? Although a hide in a brewery sounds like a messy day out 😂 Thanks very much Scott I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

@@danwillis_photography I'll send you an article I wrote.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@ScottRitchie-bw9ls cheers Scott, I will look forward to reading it 👍🏻

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Both, Sorry about the late comment as I have been stuck down in Derbyshire for a day or two. Pops I think was right in look an amazing location. Offering you to add more stunning images. Well captured.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@arjunhari7474]

Love the funny moment in this video😂❤

[@danwillis_photography]

Glad you enjoyed it 😂😂 Thank you

[@KateWillis-t7p]

Brilliant - prank was priceless 😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Kate, really appreciate it 😊

[@Kevin-vg9lt]

Excellent video as per usual Dan, nicely showing the hide and set up. The Kestrel is a really gorgeous bird had the opportunity to Photograph one static and in flight at SMJ Falconry on a club outing there a few weeks ago. I totally agree with you about the wingers moaning about hides as thought all you have to do is turn up and you will bag a load of great images , you still need good camera skills and good processing skills if the conditions were poor. Also there is no guarantee the birds will show up especially if the weather is bad. Cheers mate keep up the good work.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks so very much Kevin, I really appreciate your thoughts on the matter of hide photography 👍🏻

[@AnneTivendale]

Another brilliant video Dan & Pops! Super images and fun to go with them💙

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Anne I really appreciate it 😊

[@deolimjo]

Stunning work, just keeps getting better, great to see pops having a great time.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Joao I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Fantastic guys. Looks a great place..

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Craig I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@user-stupotts]

Loved the kestrels even more than the buzzards. Fabulous.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Stuart I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@Steve4962]

Just watched, superb lads...

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Steve I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@andrewmilne3031]

Fantastic foties from both of you again. Pops wins for me, though, with the first image. 😀😀👍

[@andrewmilne3031]

The trick on pops is just the kind of thing that I did with my children. 😂😂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andrew I really appreciate it. I will let Pops know your verdict, I know he will be pleased 👍🏻

[@telkirton]

Excellent images great photography both of you.🙂

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Tel I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@fraud1able]

Great video Dan, love kestrels but Barn owls can't wait.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jason I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@fraud1able]

@@danwillis_photography - Where did you get your lens protection covers from

[@danwillis_photography]

@@fraud1able they are Rolanpro from Amazon, link below 👇🏻 amzn.to/3MzFQdU

[@fraud1able]

@@danwillis_photography Thanks but its the neoprene tubes which your lenses go into (in your camera bag)

[@danwillis_photography]

Ahhh I see, I have linked them in below, they are from Amazon 👍🏻 www.amazon.co.uk/POLAM-FOTO-Protect-Camera-Neoprene-Inside/dp/B074BTSLYS/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3TRGNS1XMBZ3R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fU4DIiScLBocNG3HCFMuh6DTdOf7uxS4KesDfELDdYVfP6URDua3cO2beZJ6lCLbCaobr1kr4CCHg2_rKUpM2kwHb2alGYQZR7G2rgDe0DOiDAEqU9PB3mMMCPTMaoDSMaqeZ3Pi1gmBMR5OpK5JhPlItgPLrdnU4cCe1KmnNqeGFefo4GinpjOwCoJ4T7oQ-nW6fvTjzvNNL_NVLOc4rUdyxQbHkkaBByC7pg6dEnQ.D-KIXonQ0lM4GEWy0JZ1Bo581LdQMMfvG-pcTpnrIhA&dib_tag=se&keywords=neoprene+lens+pouch&qid=1725814210&sprefix=neoprene+lense%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-9

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Absolutely fantastic awesome seeing kestrels nice and close 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Dave I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@雲裡蠍]

太棒啦 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@jeanlouis83]

😍😍😍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jean Louis I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@davidhudson7954]

Brilliant pics Dan, just one question what SD card do you recommend I am having probs shooting in continuous mode with buffering been advised it may be my SD card.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much David. I use CF Express cards with my Z9 and have always used Sandisk Extreme Pro cards which have been very reliable and I don't suffer too much with buffering 👍🏻

[@photography-guy5076]

Great series Dan and Pops, can I just ask, what is it they're feeding on thats white fur or feathers? Do the owners put out pet mice or something

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much mate. The bait put out was chicks and mice. All the best 👍🏻

[@dianejohnson6777]

Am new to your videos and am watching through them all. Absolutely in love with them. Have watched some 2 or 3 times lol. Do you shoot in RAW. I'm debating if to move over to RAW. Thank you 😊. Also hi pops. I'm a fan of yours ❤

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks so much Diane, thanks for supporting the channel I really do appreciate it. I always shoot in RAW as it allows me so much more creativity in post editing. If you are not planning on editing your pictures than I would suggest shooting in jpeg. If you are looking to edit then definitely shoot in RAW. I look forward to reading your comments in the future 😊

[@dianejohnson6777]

@danwillis_photography I've started shooting in raw. I'm doing a bird of prey workshop next month. I can't wait :) you've definitely been a inspiration.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@dianejohnson6777 I hope you have a wonderful time and come away with lots of photos ☺️

[@michaellarsen4992]

Hello Dan what kind of tripod are you using in this movie?

[@danwillis_photography]

Hi Michael, I am using the Gitzo Systematic Series 5 Tripod with Gitzo Fluid Gimbal Head. Pops is using the equivalent from Benro 👍🏻

[@philipblairphotography9775]

I just read Richard Burchetts latest facebook post and then came here to watch this. 2 opposite ends of the spectrum.

[@danwillis_photography]

I've not seen Richards post but I'm curious as to what it was regarding?

[@philipblairphotography9775]

@@danwillis_photography "I’ve seen so much on baited hides, raptor centres and just easy photography lately on socials and it’s becoming the ‘normal’ for many photographers! This isn’t the real way to achieve a good image. Plus many don’t declare it and pass it off as wild & un-baited and then find they are called out! Credibility gone!! Anybody can go to baited bird of prey/mammal hides and get decent shots, when are people going to realise the people that take them haven’t anymore skills than you do! It’s just point, shoot where the bait is and if you’ve got the basic settings right you’re all good! I spend months watching, waiting and studying my local birds & mammals to enable myself to get in to a position to get the shots, the REWARDS are different than that of a hide.. do yourself a favour and try it, you’ll love it much more and you did it yourself…and it’s unique, not shot by the masses."

[@danwillis_photography]

I also spend months watching, waiting and studying my local birds as can be seen in my Barn Owl video which was the result of work put in since April studying those birds. I would never try to pass off any photograph as anything other than the way in which I captured it, hence my videos. Hides are an aspect of wildlife photography that interests many of the people who enjoy watching my videos and so will continue to be a part of the channel.

[@photography-guy5076]

yeah everyone entitled to their opinion I guess. Isnt this similar to throwing bread out for the birds or your gran sitting alone all day watching the robins and blackbirds in her garden...or building a kingfisher nesting bank to watch them...if you get what i'm saying