Black Necked Grebe at RSPB St Aidans

[@ScottRitchie-bw9ls]

Great video as usual Dan. Your enthusiasm really shines through especially when you saw the grebes and got the shots. We all live for that moment. Well done. I love these kinds of videos. Great job of putting it together too mate. Cheers Scott.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Scott, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@simonpendleton6005]

Great to share your excitement as well as the fantastic pictures 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Simon, appreciated 👍🏻

[@littlesue2633]

What a beautiful adventure😘

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Sue, always appreciated 😊

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Great stuff again Dan. Stunning shots of the Grebes. I also remember lapwings being called pee-wits when I was young as well. 😃👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@zebeddy]

‘Humbugs’ shot is just gorgeous. Fab video Dan 😃

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much mate I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@RichardCookphotography]

Fab video Dan with some wonderful shots. Looks like an amazing location. Well done 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Richard, I really appreciate it mate👍🏻

[@nigelroberson8911]

Stunning images.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nigel, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@michaelwallwork7482]

Beautiful bird, the black necked grebe. Great vlog. Love your enthusiasm 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Michael, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@toddfancher7400]

Those are some money shots for sure. Great photos. Thank you for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Todd, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@AndyM...]

Absolutely brilliant Dan, it's days like these that keeps you coming back !!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy, I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@richardpaxton2085]

Great to meet you out in the wild at St Aidan’s Dan. I’ve learned so much from your channel and find the insights invaluable.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Richard it was an absolute pleasure to meet you too mate. All the best 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Worth the short wait. Glad you got to see the BNGs Dan, and get some great shots of them. They can be elusive , some days nothing and others when you hit lucky several opportunities, particularly when they are with chicks. Great video presented with your usual excellent enthusastic approach, and excitement when you get those great shots.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻 All the best

[@bobf711]

Nice vid once again Dan. On the Lapwing/Peewit debate, you may not know but they also have a third name - Green Plover. One of my favourite birds too - always look to me like they have paper wings, being blown about when they keep changing direction.

[@danwillis_photography]

I didn’t realise that they were called green plover, thanks very much for sharing that with me I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@bobharrison4711]

Wonderful posting,thanks Dan,this just popped-up so I thought I'd watch it. WOW..pics and vids literally stunning. I went to this fantastic reserve with a former work-colleague/nature enthusiast and he saw a Black Necked Grebe from EXACTLY the place you first observed them from a distance (unfortunately Bill got one up on me as I was too busy talking to a bloke who was telling me how many hundreds of species he'd seen at St.Aidan's). We'll defo be back, fascinating place. Keep up the good work,this is exceptional.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Bob, I really appreciate you commenting with such kind words. Your experience at St Aidans is usually mine. I'm caught gassing with someone as Pops nails the perfect shot 😂😂 Take care and all the very best 👍🏻

[@hstein27]

That great crested grebe family was wonderful. Grebe chicks of many species seem to have that zebra-like pattern on them. Pied-billed grebes are in my area for mating but I've never seen a chick yet. I did however get one flying. Those huge feet are so cute. You're fortunate to have gotten such a shot of the black necked grebe!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it mate. Pied-billed Grebes look very similar to little grebes, are you based in the US? All the best 👍🏻

[@hstein27]

@@danwillis_photography Yes, in Massachusetts. I've not seen any Pied-billed chicks yet. We also get Horned Grebes, which are also similar to the little grebes. They migrate out in spring, but a few weeks ago we had some in near-breeding plumage, which was a treat!

[@danwillis_photography]

@@hstein27 sounds awesome 👍🏻

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Brilliant video with the black neck grebe and the little humbugs 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@SharonDale-s4u]

fantastic, i love it at St Aidan's, so much wildlife an land to cover it's amazing. Something new every day to see.

[@danwillis_photography]

I completely agree with you, it’s an absolutely stunning reserve 👍🏻

[@Seemples]

Very nice, Dan. Loved the images of the Blacked Necked Grebe, just a shame the Bittern didn't turn up.

[@danwillis_photography]

The chance of a Bittern will keep me going back. Thanks and all the very best 👍🏻

[@Kellysher]

Beautiful Grebe . In my area of the US, we have pied-billed grebes. I’ve never been able to photograph them with the chicks on their back. It’s one of my target shots for the future. Nice work! I love this water bird. If you startle them they sink straight down like an elevator. Love the channel, thanks for sharing your work.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I had to look up pied-billed grebe and they look very similar to the little grebe which are absolutely stunning. All the very best 👍🏻

[@andrewmilne3031]

Fantastic foties again Dan. The one of the black necked grebe is outstanding. ❤

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andrew I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@jon_green_photography]

Great video Dan and you got some cracking shots of the black necked grebe! Great to see pops up and about too😊 I actually found a black necked grebe randomly at chew valley lake (Bristol) back in April. I had no idea what it was until I looked it up. When I reported it to Avon birds I was told it's the first one reported this year at the lake and that they are not a common sighting there anymore so was pretty chuffed to find it

[@danwillis_photography]

That’s a cracking find Jon I would’ve been well chuffed too mate. Thanks for your comment and all the best 👍🏻

[@Endrju8287]

I’m glad you had a successful day at our local reserve Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@tomking3800]

One word. MAGIC

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Tom, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Brilliant Dan. 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Craig, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@kathrynhall9920]

fantastic photographs Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Kathryn , really appreciate it 😊

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Stunning images. Hope that your Pops is recovering well!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Pops is doing great thanks for asking 👍🏻

[@rikarthur8969]

Lovely video Dan, I’ve never seen a black-necked grebe but I will definitely be on the lookout now, stunning bird. St.Aiden’s is a great reserve and a testament to what can be achieved on old industrial land. Thanks

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rik I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@antonoat]

Great film Dan, cracking shots too! It's a great venue but on really hot days or very wet days there is nowhere to shelter, believe it or not it can get really hot there! Cheers.

[@danwillis_photography]

I can imagine it can be difficult due to the lack of shelter and I hadn’t thought of that, thanks for your comment I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@Trish12303]

Great video Dan! I loved the “Proud Mum” image, but all the images were great!! Thanks very much for taking us along!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Patty, as always I really appreciate your comments and continued support. All the very best 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Congrats on bursting that 5K mark, Dan! Great work! You deserve every sub and more!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Super video Dan, I can’t get over the colour of the Black Necked Grebes eyes, stunning

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek I really appreciate it mate👍🏻

[@TerryKontopoulos]

What a great video mate! Thanks for sharing!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Terry, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

Congress on reaching 5k on KZbin mate. Yet another fantastic vlog

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers John, I really appreciate that mate 👍🏻

[@user-stupotts]

Love the speed skater.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Cracking video dan, when i filmed the humbugs they were down to 3 chicks. Thanks

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Alex, I really appreciate it 👍🏻 Shame to read that the Grebes seem to have lost a chick

[@mattnuckols]

Great video! I like the harness carrying the tripod. What is that? Can you post a link to it?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻 The harness is from Cley Spy called the Mule Pack, I’m currently in negotiations with the manufacturer for a discount for watchers of my channel 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

The harness is from Cley Spy called the Mule Pack, I’m currently in negotiations with the manufacturer for a discount for watchers of my channel 👍🏻

[@adelacour]

Another venue on my bucket list. Thanks Dan not only for the great video, but also for introducing different sites that we can all visit. The Lap wings are fabulous, I also call them Peewits or plovers. The Grebe's are beautiful, I've not seen one yet but we do get them here, the humbugs are delightful. As a thought, can you give us mere mortals an insight to your camera and video settings whilst on these trips, I think I and many others would find that useful. Thanks again Dan, most enjoyable. Regards Andy

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy and thank you for your feedback and suggestions for developing the channel further. I will definitely take this onboard and build it into the videos in the future mate. All the very best 👍🏻

[@alunlambert7456]

Great Vlog man, as always, I’m hoping to get down there the weekend. The grebe photos were fantastic. We call the lapwings peewits as well. But I think that was down to iolo Williams

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Alun, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@AnneTivendale]

Brilliant as always 💙

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Looking forward to this one Dan! A favourite site and bird.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Rob, I hope you enjoy it nearly as much as I enjoyed filming it mate 👍🏻

[@WCIN]

Great videos and envious of the clarity of yur photo’s!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks so much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@markprice470]

lovely images Dan - its a great day out and somewhere I never spend enough time at given how close I live. I was there at the weekend and was photographing the great crested grebe also but sadly they kept their distance.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mark, I would definitely spend more time there given the chance it’s a cracking reserve. All the best 👍🏻

[@seandavis6458]

Great video and aesme footage of the Great Grebe and Humbugs

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Sean I really appreciate it. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@robj1366]

Stunning shots

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

Another great spot with some great photographs. The Great Crested Grebes are one of the most photogenic species. I finally made my mind up and splashed out on a Canon R5 so I'm keen to get my hands on it and give it a test run. I was interested in your comment about not carrying your camera mounted to the tripod. Makes good sense. Just interested as to what you use to carry the tripod?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John. I bet you can’t wait to take delivery of the R5 👍🏻 The tripod carrier is from Cley Spy called the Mule Pack, I’m currently in negotiations with the manufacturer for a discount for watchers of my channel 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan. I'll hang off buying one for a few weeks but I intend to buy one before I head over to the UK. It's a great idea.

[@sangliersepromene]

very beautiful images of this black-necked grebe. Thank you for sharing . (just one question: what miracle strap for carrying the 400 mm?)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I appreciate it. The strap is called The Slider and it’s from Peak Design 👍🏻

[@sangliersepromene]

Merci 👍🏻

[@deolimjo]

Brilliant footage of the Grebe, you certainly deserve more subscribers keep going you will benefit from your hard work, just a question are you able to post the harness you were wearing, keen to look into it, thanks once again.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much for your kind words mate I really appreciate it. The harness is from Cley Spy called the Mule Pack. I’m currently in negotiations with the manufacturer for a discount for my watchers of the channel 👍🏻

[@deolimjo]

Thank you Dan, keep us posted I will take advantage once you come to an agreement with them

[@TrevorHupton]

Dan how do you carry your tripod on your back. What kind of strap is it

[@danwillis_photography]

Hi, the strap is from a company called Cley Spy and it’s called the Mule Pack. I’m currently in negotiations to try and get a discount for watchers of the channel, so watch this space 👍🏻

[@TrevorHupton]

Ok thanks for the information

[@user-markparker]

Great video Dan, I was intrigued with the set up you had to hold/carry your tripod on your back, I couldn’t see it properly but is that a DIY set up or is it something you bought? Loved the running shot by the way. 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. The tripod carrier is from Cley Spy called the Mule Pack. I’m currently in negotiations with the manufacturer for a discount for the watchers of the channel. All the best 👍🏻

[@tomekwojciechowski5589]

Beautiful photos. What tripod and head do you use?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Tomek, I use a Gitzo series 5 systematic tripod paired with a Gitzo fluid gimbal head 👍🏻

[@steveallen5738]

Go on long time and not get shots like those again of the black necked Grebes. We have them at Newstead and Annesley and never got any shots even close to yours 😄

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Steve, I definitely felt lucky to get those shots of the Black Necked Grebe that's for sure. All the best

[@donaldstewart3799]

Fantastic video, a couple of questions recently bought a z 180-600 am I best to attach my camera strap to the lens and what make is you cover you use on your lens. Hope you dad is getting on ok, also in Scotland where I was born we called the Lapwing the Peewit as well.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Donald really appreciate it. Definitely attach the strap to the lens and not the body as this limits excessive pressure on the mount. The covers are from Rolanpro which I think you can order from Amazon, link below 👇🏻 amzn.to/3RfEBDA All the very best 👍🏻

[@donaldstewart3799]

@@danwillis_photography thanks will check it out

[@brownie3609]

Hi Dan, greatavideo as always. You mention carrying your tripod on your back. What are you using. Looks like a Ruck without the Sack? Much appreciated, Steven

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Steven. The tripod carrier is from a company called Cley Spy and the item is called the Mule Pack. Due to the high amount of interest I’m currently in negotiations with the company to get a discount for watchers of the channel 👍🏻

[@brownie3609]

@@danwillis_photography Lovely Thanks Dan. Feels like a need one of those. Not desperate so i'll hold to see how you get on. Keep up the good work. All the best, Steven

[@AndrewGillott]

Hi, Can I ask what lens you are using? is it the Z mount 400mm F2.8 ?

[@danwillis_photography]

It is the Z400mm f2.8 mate 👍🏻

[@fraud1able]

Braw video and bringing back memories of childhood (PEE-WIT, PEE-WIT)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

think ill be paying a visit here a bit of a daft question do u and ur dad go to Stalybridge camera club

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Michael, yes me and Pops are members of Stalybridge camera club 👍🏻

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

@@danwillis_photography haha yes i used to be but joined the daisy nook camera club as spend most my time there lol

[@danwillis_photography]

@@michaelsaltsman7550 that’s great, Daisy Nook certainly seems to be an upcoming club 👍🏻

[@bezzerb9914]

Just curious if your thumbnail is one of your shots or AI generated?

[@danwillis_photography]

It’s AI generated, it’s something that I have been experimenting with, would love to know your thoughts?

[@bezzerb9914]

Thanks for your reply Dan. I'll be honest and say that I'm not an AI fan. I think it does a bit of a disservice to your own images that you made. I also think it is a bit bait worthy. I understand you want as many views and followers as you can and I hope it won't hurt your channel by me giving my true opinion. I'm a birder and photographer myself and have thought about delving into the pool of KZbin so I have only respect and admiration for what you are doing. Your latest GCG vid had more than enough of your own images that would have made great thumbnails! I hope you realise that I am not knocking you in any way. I enjoy seeing your passion for UK wildlife and long may it continue!

[@danwillis_photography]

@@bezzerb9914 I appreciate your honest feedback to be honest. I had taken some advice from a content creator who said that my thumbnails were not good and to try ai generated images. I completely know what you mean about click bait but thought I’d give them a go. Thanks for taking the time to share your opinion, I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@droitwichblue]

Pretty low angle on those grebe photos, guess like all the other non birding togs on here you were off piste? Naughty.

[@danwillis_photography]

I wasn't off piste I was on the path at a gap in the reeds, you can see that from the video clip where I got the shot of the black necked grebe. I would not jeopardise the birds in any way