BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY - HARRIER & FALCONS | Wildlife Photography for Beginners | Tips & Tricks

Welcome back,
This is my first Vlog of 2022, in this video I head out for some bird photography in hope to photograph Harriers & Falcons, sharing some Tips and Tricks for beginners in Wildlife photography.
🐾 Please Subscribe to see more of my videos 🐾 / @richardbirchett
I've got loads of exciting Wildlife Photography expeditions coming up soon😊
Regards
Richard 🙂
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PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT USED
Canon 5D Mk 3
Canon 500mm F4 IS Mk 2
Canon 300mm F2.8 IS Mk 1
Manfrotto Pro Video Head - amzn.to/2ZumCxO
Manfrotto Pro Gear Tripod 475B - amzn.to/2AFyIea
Two man chair hide - amzn.to/2ZwVvlL
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW III
OP-Tech Pro Camo Neoprene Camera Strap - amzn.to/3k3MZ78
LensCoat Lenshide - amzn.to/3sbzlSs
Tragopan V6 New Colour (2020) - tragopan-shop....
Bushnells - 30MP Duel Core Low Glow Trail Camera - amzn.to/3k1zyoa
VIDEO & VLOGGING EQUIPMENT
GoPro Hero 8 Black - amzn.to/3k6qtL0
GoPro Hero 8/9 Media Mod - amzn.to/3qujcHm
GoPro Hero 8/9 Display Mod - amzn.to/3u5TZVH
RØDE VideoMic Pro+ amzn.to/3qAWoWs
RØDE DeadCat VMP+ Wind Shield VideoMic Pro+ amzn.to/3qDMKCf
RØDE VC1 Minijack 3.5mm Stereo Extension Cable - amzn.to/2NpKnET
RØDE Wireless GO - Compact Wireless Microphone System - amzn.to/3doIiUi
RØDE Microphone Hard Case -amzn.to/3qD09dX
RØDE Lavalier GO Pro Grade Mic - amzn.to/3sbpnR6
FEELWORLD F570 5.7" IPS Full HD Screen Video Assist - amzn.to/37qLBXh
Battery Pack for FEELWORLD Screen - amzn.to/34CvOpL
FEELWORLD 7" Rugged Articulating Magic Arm - amzn.to/3dw0AD4
Feelworld Tilt Arm for F570 5.7 - amzn.to/3c8cyS6
Joby GorillaPod 1K Vlogging Tripod - amzn.to/3qAzYV1
TASCAM DR-07X - amzn.to/3tuwiWm
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT USED
Listed above & below are some of the items I use for my Wildlife Photography, some of these are Amazon affiliate links and if purchased will not cost you anymore but I may get a slight commission to help me to keep producing Videos on KZbin. Thanks :-)
Rav Solar Charger 24W - amzn.to/3zftGy2
Anker Power Core Battery Back-up - amzn.to/3ueEquR
Baxxtar USB Charger LP-E6N - amzn.to/3k6rVwW
CLOTHING & BAGS CAMO NETTING
Fjallraven Anorak No 8 Dark Olive - amzn.to/3dMT45X
Military 3D Ghillie Suit Camouflage Wildlife Photography - amzn.to/3fdZkE4
DETECH 3D Camouflage Leaf Balaclava - amzn.to/3ayEw8S
Gloves Anti-Slip Camouflage - amzn.to/3sbCjX6
Lowepro Viewpoint CS80 Case for Action Cam - amzn.to/3rVexyq
Lowepro LensTrekker 600 Mk 3
Buffalo Mens Special 6 Shirt Black - www.buffalosyst...
JACK PYKE Galbraith Smock Waterproof - amzn.to/3psfMmZ
Camo Netting Tactical Scarf - amzn.to/335lG8v
Camo Net Camouflage Woodland - amzn.to/3aCv3gN

[@martynhall1752]

Welcome back Richard it’s great to see you back in air field and nature reserve area, but 2 years out of date meal in the desperate times desperate measures 😂😂😂come to mind, I must say I’m the same when it comes to food, it seems to me the wildlife come out just we pack to go home,you still produce some fantastic shots with the 5Dll, hope you get your R3 soon the tips and tricks about getting the best out of the wildlife photography was great, thank you Richard for taking the time producing a fantastic video and sharing it with us. Martyn

[@RichardBirchett]

Lol, still tasted really good though, lol..... It is always the case, food or a brew and out the wildlife comes!! So happy with the D3 as a stop gap before the rather late arrival of the R3, still I am sure it will be well worth it in the end. Glad you found it informative and interesting. Hope you are keeping well? All the best R 👍

[@martynhall1752]

@@RichardBirchett hi Richard yes I’m keeping well, hope you and your family are keeping well too keeping going away in May back to Scotland hopefully get to sky and Mull, after watching one of videos it’s really inspired me, forgot to ask how’s the woodland going all the best. Martyn

[@RichardBirchett]

@@martynhall1752 thanks, it’s going pretty well thanks, already early signs of spring! Hides going in soon🤞🏻👍! Just love Mull, planning my trip back there as we speak, amazing place, can’t wait you’ll have a great time in May 🤞🏻🙏👍

[@wot-not]

I need/want to upgrade my 500f4 MKI lens to the MKII, but it is still so expensive at £9,559 GOLP!. Maybe when the RF500 comes out it might drop in price!?

[@RichardBirchett]

Yes, they are still current on the Canon lineup but I am sure they may drop a little when the RF version comes out, whenever that will be!! Still Mk1's a dam good lens. Cheers R

[@CamillaI]

Love the Hen Harrier pics missed one in East Anglia but did get the Marsh Harrier awesome birds ! Love the tips and tricks on photographing these birds ! 👍😍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Mark, such amazing birds! What a bonus though, just love seeing Marsh Harriers, especially the male, although I wouldn't want to be fussy on sexes, lol.. Thanks again R 👍

[@timfishy]

Glad you are back, we need Westcountry shows! When you decided to order the R3 did you consider any other cameras? Knowing you are a Canon, user did you look at the R5/R6 or even think about waiting for the "R1". Keep up the good work. Regards Tim

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Tim, thanks very much indeed, nice to be back! I did look at many options and not all canon! But stuck with them, R5/6 are awesome cameras and I may get an R5 as well one day, just for the added pixel power but I’ve got many reasons for the R3, probably too many to list now but will do in my R3 review coming soon! Could have waited for the R1 which will probably be announced Q3/4 2022, but unlikely to ship until Q1/2 2023 which is too late for me and a longer wait! Cheers R 👍

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Great to have you back buddy, what a cracking day down there for it too & being that much further South than me you hang on to the light longer too. Great to see the male Hen Harrier put in an appearance for you too, fantastic bird! Really hope your R3 & 200-500 lens arrives soon & then you can really relax & get stuck in. Catch up soon. Nick

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Nick, really nice to see the evenings finally drawing out a bit now! Plus lots more time in the day to get out and enjoy nature! They are such special birds, if I saw them every week I'd never tire of them, lol... All being well, they will be here very soon👍Cheers R

[@graemehogg4465]

Feel for you Rich must so frustrating no Land Rover no R3 thank god its not summer if that's any consolation. Still nice to see you out and about a vlogs a vlog mate always something worth seeing. Hope your luck turns soon mate stay positive & stay safe. 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Graeme, I know bit of a double wammy with no camera and the landy gone but all being well I shall be firing on all cylinders soon! Thanks for watching. R 👍

[@andywilson3381]

Great video again Richard, if its any conciliation ive been waiting for my Z9 since last October too! very frustrating!!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Andy, nice to hear from you, it is a bit of a pain but I have news so with any luck it should be here very soon🤞🏻🙏👍

[@Lez325]

Sod's law = Pick up coffee bird come through - great Video Richard :)

[@RichardBirchett]

Always the way Les! Lol.... Still I saw it. Cheers R 👍

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. Great ending to a fine day. All the best. Cheers. 👍📷😎

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Rob, really glad you enjoyed it! All the best R 👍

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Nice one buddy, glad to see you out and about, great to have a mooch about with you on your patch and great shots and footage too. All good things etc lol anyway Gordon Ramsey still cooks fantastic food on a 20 quid camping stove if you catch my drift 😉👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much JP, can't beat your local patch! It's nice that everyone has a special place to go locally without hoards of people.lol. I like the analogy, and I totally agree, my next vlog which is out soon has some quite nice images, and all taken with a 13 year old camera. Cheers my friend. 👍

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

@@RichardBirchett Awesome i cant wait to see it 😉👍🏼

[@laurencearnold5822]

Great to se you get out Richard, as you say work with what you have and keep vlogging 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Laurence, it’s got to be done and the 5D 3 produces some cracking images! Just great to have a camera in hand again! Cheers R 👍

[@robbieallcock]

Great stuff Rich - love the Pheasant photos and the car 😉 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Rob, maybe common but still lovely to capture on camera! First one to comment on the car, lol... When the landys back the cars going in for a total respray! Cars, like cameras! Bloody expensive, lol... Cheers Rich😂👍

[@kevinmaxfield8298]

Hi Richard.if you are getting frustated with not getting your R 3 why don't you get a grey market one from Panamoz they have them in stock with a 3 year warranty. I have purchased my 1DX ii & a R6 from them and both arrived in less than a week. there prices are a lot less than uk prices.

[@RichardBirchett]

Hi Kevin, I’ve toyed with the idea of getting one from Panamoz, was concerned about hidden taxes, lack of genuine warranty! Resale value being a grey import! And just handing over loads of money to a company based in China! Thought it might be risky, seen the reviews looks good and with a free RF adapter and saving £500 pounds is tempting! 🙁👍

[@kevinmaxfield8298]

@@RichardBirchett There are no hidden taxes to pay.I thought the same about handing over loads of money to a company in china. but having read the reviews i when for it.Both cameras came within a week of ordering.In fact when i purchased my 1DX ii the courier company didn't deliver it when they said they would so i contacted Panamoz and they credited my bank account with £20 for the incovenace of it being late. You ca also track your parcel all the way from china.

[@steves8661]

Good to see you back out again fingers crossed the R3 turns up soon

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Steve, really hope so! Cheers R 👍

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

hi Richard waiting for something you want always takes longer than you hope , but one day you will receive the canon r3 and you will forget the long wait .

[@RichardBirchett]

Well said, lets hope so it really is far to long to wait! Thanks again for watching. Richard 👍

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

@@RichardBirchett maybe you have to pre-order canon R1 then you'll have it when it comes on the market 😂

[@garylancelles6666]

Great to see you back .Top bird the male Hen Harrier

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Gary, really is No1 for me now! Any up on the moor this winter? Cheers R👍

[@jeffmanser2883]

Lol you know there’s a covid thing going on right TaTa

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Jeff👍

[@shaungriffin1968]

Really enjoyed that thank you - great tips

[@RichardBirchett]

No worries, thanks very much for watching Shaun 👍

[@littlewig200]

Loved this one. Great to see you back

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much indeed, Cheers R 👍

[@meljones7774]

Hi Richard, I have been waiting for an Olly lens since last June, but heho it will come eventually. Good vid as always😃

[@RichardBirchett]

No way! That's really bad... I bet you are so frustrated, fingers crossed it turns up for us both soon. Cheers R 😀

[@meljones7774]

Yes, I am frustrated, but my local camera shop have them on order but they are just not coming into this country. I am told it is a chip shortage. Sony have the monopoly on chips, or brexit or boris, who knows when I will get it.

[@RichardBirchett]

It’s a real pain! I’m working on getting one a little sooner all being well 🤞🏻👍. Hope you get it soon!

[@alandearson1270]

Yet another great video Richard.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Alan, nice to have you watching as always. All the best R 👍

[@sarahbirchett3331]

So glad you’re getting back out doing what you love-even Flukey got a special part Xx

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much darling, great to be back out! And with my old beast Flukey, lol.. xx

[@withvinayak]

Great vlog !! Appreciate the effort

[@RichardBirchett]

My pleasure, thanks for watching. All the best R 👍

[@tonyutting6508]

What a nice way to spend half an hour before I go off to the bird of prey centre. Thanks for another great vlog.

[@RichardBirchett]

Top man Tony, thanks very much indeed! Did you have a successful day at the BOP centre? Cheers R 👍

[@tonyutting6508]

@@RichardBirchett I was volunteering there today and we only had two of us on site, so all work and no photography today. I am there twice a week, so get regular opportunities to photograph the birds and Karen uses some of my photos on the website and social media. I have picked up some great tips from yourself and enjoy watching your content. Hope that Canon thing arrives soon for you.

[@RichardBirchett]

Nice one Tony, what a great organisation to be part of! 👏. I get you get some cracking detailed shots? Glad you find it helpful, thanks very much. Arriving very soon all being well 🤞🏻👍. Thanks again🙏

[@neildethridge9455]

Awesome Loved every minute so look forward to each and every one, brilliant

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Neil, really enjoyed getting back to it! Fingers crossed R3 next week!!!! 😂👍

[@neildethridge9455]

@@RichardBirchett good man maybe few years off for me hope it comes , be interesting to see how you get on with it

[@RichardBirchett]

@Neil Dethridge Thanks very much 🙂

[@TrevsTreks964]

Good to see you back Richard. Great video. So did you miss out on the Exmoor rutting last year?

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Trev, I ran a few workshops whilst I was there and time with my family so sadly there wasn’t scope this year! Hopefully this year all being well 🤞🏻👍. Cheers R

[@TrevsTreks964]

@@RichardBirchett ah ok. I did manage a half day there. Not long enough but did manage to see some deer at distance. No close encounters but still very pleased! All the best for this year👍

[@RichardBirchett]

@@TrevsTreks964 Glad you got to see them, such a cracking place. Thanks very much, all the best R👍

[@KevinNordstrom]

awesome to see you back out brother. Im currently looking at the ef500f4 ii or the sigma 500 f4. Not sure quite yet which to save for as they are both close in IQ. Ive been happy with my current sigma 150-600 Sport, but the faster f4 would be nice but not really needed. The Sigma 500f4 being about $3,000 US cheaper. lol...Love to see you back out there. Hopefully ill be out soon as well.

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Kevin, tricky one on the selection but saving that much money is a real bonus! So happy with the 500mm F4, paired with the R3 should work really well. Thanks for leaving a comment, all the very best. R 👍

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Great video Richard, good to see you back. Lovely images of the hen harrier. Hope you get your new camera soon. It's a joke how long some camera kit is taking to come through. All the best Steve.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much Steve, I've missed it to be honest, nice to be back out amongst it! Thanks very much, not long now!! It really is isn't it, announce a new camera and release a couple at a time! Shocking!! All the best R👍

[@deerohdeer8000]

Great blog as always !!! Fantastic captures of the Male Hen Harrier !!! Your posts are so roar feels like we’re there with you !!! Great editing , loved the car by the way !!👍👍 Big thumbs up 👍!! Take care 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks, it makes my heart race every time I see one, magical birds Ghosting across the heath! Amazing. Lovely of you to say, just love my old car, although the V6 is a little noisy, lol.. Cheers R 👍

[@NikCan66]

Belated happy new year and how is the new equipment going

[@RichardBirchett]

And to you my friend, nice to hear from you it’s been a while, hope you are keeping well! Still waiting for the R3 but should arrive soon and the new 500mm is really nice🙏👍. Cheers R 👍

[@NikCan66]

@@RichardBirchett still waiting for my Z9 and Z mount 400mm f2.8tc lens

[@RichardBirchett]

@@NikCan66 it’s a right pain! Nice setup, 400 2.8, sweet lens and the Z9🙏😉👍

[@doug11127]

Hi Richard.Nice to see you vlogging again outdoors. Hopefully won’t be long before the R3 arrives🤞finally got my RF100-500 for my R5, it’s amazing. Bit jealous you have the 500 f4 mk2 but more hassle to carry and handle than the 1-5. Can’t wait for more vlogs. All the best. Doug

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Doug, glad your happy with the 1-5, great lens by all accounts! Primes have there place but always at the expense of weight and money! Cheers for the support. All the very best R 👍

[@balgavieslochospreys6836]

Good to see you out doing a vlog again Richard. Had the 5D MkIII about 6 years ago, great camera :-). Hopefully the R3 turns up very soon, all the best, Darren.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Darren, great to be back out and nice to be using something rather than nothing! I've taken some nice Buzzard shots in the hide this week so the 5D 3 is doing well, all the best R 👍

[@colvillebri196]

People shouting at my local reserves rip my s&*t as well particularly when you’re in a hide.

[@cerealkiller4248]

I like the ones who come in, bang the door closed, drag the bench into position, bang the flap up then look for about 2 minutes then declare there’s nothing to see and leave 😳😳😳

[@colvillebri196]

@@cerealkiller4248 that’s so true and so bloody funny 🤣

[@RichardBirchett]

I know! And people wonder why they don't see anything, lol... Cheers R👍

[@colvillebri196]

I hardly go to reserves these days for that reason, Minsmere is only 30 minutes away but that’s the worst reserves, too busy and it’s like a play ground, I’m lucky to have the late tv presenters Ted Ellis reserve near, that’s a little gem and always quiet as not too many people know about it though it’s been closed due to flooding this year.

[@RichardBirchett]

@@colvillebri196 Yes, it’s a real shame! The reserve I was referring is usually pretty good, not on this occasion, lol… Sounds like a cracking spot you’ve got there 👍

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Excellent. Nice to see you back out. Although not with the R3. I'd love to see the male hen harrier, what a bird. I also see you have the Gitzo Adventury 45l bag? I have the same bag and think it brilliant. 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Craig, bit of a pain really but the D3 is doing a great job and the AF is on par with my 1DX Mk 1 so really pleased! I hope you do get to see one, they really are a lasting memory! Great bags, well made, fairly light and can fit all my kit in with lens mounted. Now my go to bag! Cheers R 👍

[@alisonmeagor2355]

That was so lovely to see .Such a lovely place and the beautiful Hen Harrier was a bonus.Hopefully you will receive your new camera soon,and there will be a lot more to look forward to.🤞🏻🥰

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Alison, truly amazing birds to see and sadly rare sighting for many people! So every time I see one its just pure joy right there! Fingers crossed it will be here soon.Thanks again R 👍😀

[@KGsPhotography]

Great to see you back out there Richard and what beautiful images of the Hen Harrier. Stunning bird, never seen one myself but hopefully one day. Stay safe and hope the R3 turns up soon. Cheers Keith

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Keith, not with the kit I hoped but still great to be back out making Videos again! They are amazing birds, I'm making the most of them before they disappear for the breeding season! , I do hope you get to see one mate, special birds. Cheers R 😀👍

[@j.kimmer1509]

awesome

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much, Cheers R 👍

[@lisamarie7527]

Welcome back Richard!! Happy to see you’re back out with your gear. You gave some really great tips! Always enjoy your content. Cheers

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Lisa, I really appreciate the comments as always, and glad you thought some of the tips are useful, even from a top photographer as yourself. All the best R 😊

[@jonathansmithies]

Great choice on the lens! The 500mm f4 II with 1.4 extender is what I use. Great combo! I look forward to seeing your first video the the R3 when it arrives!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Jonathan, and great to hear you are happy with your combo, what body you using? So am I, hopefully some news very soon! All the best R

[@steveford6900]

Another great video Richard. The birds don't always play ball but at least it is good to be out, especially on a sunny Cornish winters day.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Steve, I couldn't have said it better myself, any good weather day in gods county is fine by me, lol.. Thanks for tuning in. Cheers R 👍

[@darrenchesworth]

Nice to see you out again Richard, another great vlog 🤞🏻you get your r3 sooner than later, best wishes

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Darren, fingers well and truly crossed.. 👍

[@jonkernow5529]

What a pain having to wait for the R3. I will wait to see what happens before I take the plunge. Loved the video; so informative.

[@RichardBirchett]

It really is a bit of a crap start to 2022! But worst things happen at sea, lol.. Fair one, hopefully not long now! Cheers R👍

[@Bluenoteguitar]

Great to see you back out again Richard, hope you dont have to wait to much longer for the R3.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Steve, great to be out! Fingers crossed I don't have too!! Cheers R👍

[@leemanton3169]

Great to see another vlog and also another one full of information. Keep up the great work and would be good to see how you are progressing with your woodland project. All the best Lee

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks Lee, just a few little tips that work well for me. It's coming on really well thanks, an update due very soon. Cheers R 👍

[@bestpix100]

Great to see another vlog from you. I hate the wait when waiting for something, weeks seem like months, I am sure the wait will be worth it. I have that lens on my wish list so will be keen to see how you go with it. All the best!

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much, it's always the case isn't it! I am sure it will, but think it's still some weeks away! I am really pleased with it so far, nice and light and sharp as a tack and the AF is superb! Cheers R 😀

[@malcolmrendle6622]

fabulous pictures Richard glad you are back in the saddle.....looking forward to seeing more... great results with the 5DMKIII glad the Landy hasn't gone also expensive times

[@RichardBirchett]

Cheers Mal, can't beat a full adult Hen Harrier to brighten your day! It's a great little camera and the images have been really nice even in low light. Looking forward to getting the landy back after it's overhaul, really for it's trip to Mull in June.... Long way in a landy.. Cheers R 👍

[@malcolmrendle6622]

@@RichardBirchett yes some years ago now we drove from east kent to pembrokeshire in an old series 3 holding it in gear all of the way 10 hours of deafening misery...lol

[@laku4412]

Great to see you back out again with a big lens! Looking forward to watching your future adventures ^^

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks so much, really missed have the prime glass, lol... and the weight is so much better! Great to have you onboard, all the best R 👍

[@laku4412]

@@RichardBirchett I have the same lens and really love it! Enjoy! ^^

[@JohnFormstone]

Good to see you back Richard. Sorry to hear of your problems getting your hands on your new gear. I'm out myself with the big lens tomorrow, can't wait. Take care mate. 👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much John, it's a pain but its a better problem to have than other people face, so I'll just keep on being patient! What did you go for John?? 500? or 600mm? Best of luck R

[@JohnFormstone]

@@RichardBirchett I've got the Nikon 500mm F4. I've had it a couple of years now and its a fantastic lens, its hard to take a bad photo with it. I also have the mk 3 1:4 teleconverter for it which is a great combo.

[@RichardBirchett]

@@JohnFormstone Prime glass really is a lovely thing to own, really would have missed it if I hadn’t purchased another! Nice setup John, for Nikon😂👍

[@brownie3609]

Nice to see you back out and about.

[@RichardBirchett]

Thanks very much, it was a lovely day to be out. Cheers R