Guide To Using Posts and Perches in Bird Photography (Full Kingfisher Setup)

[@WildlifeBirdsUK]

👍 #729 Hi Simon, I love all the hard work on ideas and dedication into getting those ideas going and creating the reality. The Kingfisher perch is a classic example... from the conditions of the woodland, in order to find the naturally mossy branches etc.... what is typical is when you've done everything and it's all going to plan.... you are patiently sitting it out, the Fish are there, sun is out... and the Kingfisher appears.... hold your breath time as it lands on your perch.... then the Kingfisher really enjoys the lashed together area, lol. But thankfully, it stuck around and it appears that you unleashed the 2nd part of the perch and it was happy on the thicker mossy branch/perch. To get TWO Kingfishers together on the rod perch is fantastic, and more so so soon after you placed it and crucially, you were there to film it when it did happen. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Simon and thanks for all the effort you put in and for sharing your tips and equipment etc. 👍◕‿◕

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou for watching. You described the situation perfectly, quite poetic. It was a red letter session. Always a joy to photograph the Kingfisher, one of my favourite birds.📷👍🏼

[@the_useless_photographer]

Great video. I was out hunting for my first kingfisher photo and I bumped into this old fisherman. He told me the best way to attract the birds is to do what you have and put in a new perch. Kingfishers will always check out new fishing perches in their territory. He told me they often sit on his fishing rod as he's fishing. Cheers.

[@simoneardley]

That old fisherman was a wise old boy!! Everything he said is true👍🏼😆📷 Cheers Andy

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Simon, Great video and it couldn't get any better than having Kingfishers land on the fishing pole and they even match the color of the fishing pole! And another Hey Congratulations to Steve for being the winner of the print! Way to go Steve! As always I am looking forward to the next one! Sayin' hey.... Greg

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Greg, super chuffed with those images. A day to remember!!👍🏼📷

[@stevehotshotsantini9777]

Thanks Wilson NP... Couldn't believe it... Will buy the other for the pair... 👍

[@arieveloo9808]

Great, I do it like you're.....nice to see the video in the winter and thinking of spring! Tank you.

[@markfisher1437]

And another fantastic video. Enjoyable watching.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark👍

[@patgorman4347]

Be god theres no stopping you. Watching all your videos. Pat with the knee replacement..thanks again...

[@WyeExplorer]

Brilliant project. The logo on my channel is of a Kingfisher. We have a special relationship with them in our family. This was fascinating to watch. All good things come to those who wait or build in this case. Did you know the Turquoise is the result of sunlight and not the pigment in their feathers. They're a solar powered bird. Ha ha! Well, great result. Good o the winner. All the best. Mark

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark, didnt know that about the feathers. Good quiz question!! They are one of my favourite birds for sure, Cheers Si 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@simoneardley A real pleasure Si. Yeah a good question. Good to hear they're a fave of yours to. Here's why this channel features the Kingfisher if interested. There are some legendary SAS guys in this story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aomWh6B9fp57pZo A pleasure.

[@richardb649]

Superb video as always Simon - always a great source of inspiration and ideas

[@mark19615]

New subscriber here, just wanted to say thanks. The heart decided it didn't want to work properly anymore the last time I was out. I'm happy to report the medics are on the case and a full recovery is predicted. Your channel has inspired me to dust the gear off once more and get back out there. Alas no more cigarettes for me, however I'm still above ground to tell the tale. Therefore I shall be wandering around deepest darkest Stafford and beyond. If you fancy a day out on Doxey Marshes do let me know. I'd be happy to show you around and introduce you to Sid our large white Egret. Once again many thanks keep up the good work.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark, thanks for the invite. If I'm ever in Stafford I'll give you a shout. Glad yo are enjoying the channel👍🏼

[@joebrennan1272]

LOVE your videos Simon, you don't just sit in a hide and photograph wildlife but you show there is more to the game than buying the most expensive gear. I always come away with an idea or two after watching your great videos, thanks again and roll on the next one.....Joe

[@simoneardley]

Absolutely Joe, its not all about the gear. Thanks for the comments 📷

[@davidjohnson-ot9mt]

Fantastic Simon, you deserved some good shots after the groundwork you put in and putting up with the heat under the cammo too .

[@simoneardley]

Cheers David, yeah it paid of in the end👍🏼📷

[@eddiek0507]

Great video, Some really fantastic shots of the kingfishers. Like you say you have got to stick with it. Giving up is the easy part, keep the good work up...😎👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that Eddie, yeh its all about sticking with it and putting the hours in. 👍🏼📷

[@fototyz]

Very nice, great video!! Keep taking the fig biscuits 😂👍😂

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers Paul👍🏼🍪

[@markhalling9195]

Great video love the Kingfishers 👏

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Mark

[@allyinlivvy]

Truly sublime in its content. The standard of quality that most of us would like achieve on a much more regular basis. Well done, Simon.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Al, appreciate the comments 👍🏼👍🏼🎥📷

[@touchedbynature5445]

Fantastic Film, very inspiring and helpful. Beautiful Photographs. Many thanks for sharing.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul, thankyou 👍🏼👀

[@Neilberg56]

Enjoy watching your Vlogs. I'm hoping to photograph some Kingfishers myself after seeing your good advice.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one, its not a bad time of year to start. The lack of cover will make them easier to observe but your cammo will have to be on the money. Best of luck 👍🏼📷👀

[@martinbyrne6643]

Nice video well done

[@TheRackdog]

Loved the fishing rod with the kingfishers on it si👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Si, well chuffed when they landed!!👍🏼😊

[@jeffbrown4743]

Another enjoyable relaxed video. A bit of planning pays off and always gives a sense of achievement. Well done Simon.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jeff, glad you enjoyed it👍🏼

[@jasonfraser3572]

Very nice video. Love the filed craft behind the photos. Really enjoining your channel. Going to share .

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Jason, it certainly is an important factor for success behind the lens📷👍🏼

[@paulhuddleston1558]

Great job boy so good to have Kingie shoot for over 30 minutes super poles info hope you get your Barnie stuff together , will be watching sianora Stig .

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul

[@terrierlad]

Great to get the two kingfishers on the rod Simon

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, super chuffed with that📷👍🏼

[@yoki9743]

Hi Simon.... Excellent video yet again... and a super tip... on "dont get ripping your keks".... catch you on the next one... keep going with it mate... its superb watching the videos you make... top man....Lyndon

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Lyndon, appreciate the comments!!👍🏼😊

[@adrianmoore8200]

Great vid Simon and nice shots

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Adrian👍🏼📷

[@TheDARTHNIGHT]

Great video I just loved the fishing rod images of the pair of King fishers

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Steve👍🏼

[@jefffiles9209]

Haha Sods Law, glad they wanted to inspect the knots before landing on your branch. Cracking film Simon, put the leg work in and the chance of getting great images increases. Love the two on the rod.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh couldn't believe it Jeff when it landed on the joint. Typical. Always another chance though. Cheers Si👍🏼

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Dont be ripping yer Kegs 😃😃. Brilliant film Simon, loads of excellent information and tips and tricks. Love the Kingfisher shots . Keep on going fella, you're smashing it. Really great channel 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Rick, it was certainly a good day that one. We'll have a go next week if you fancy. Not far off 1000 now!!👍🏼📷👀

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

@@simoneardley yes definitely 👍. Not had the camera out much lately either. Need to get some more decent footage for adding onto my films as well 🙂. Aye not far off 1K 🙂

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

Always look forward to your videos Simon they are a great inspiration to me especially with me getting to grips with my new set up and your right its all about putting the time in patients and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time , looking forward to your next one.Andy from Cumbria.👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, always worth getting out there. Theres no such thing as time wasted when youre in the outdoors. Always something to see and appreciate!!👍🏼👀

[@alanwright2950]

another super vid cracking pics cant wait for next one,stay safe simon

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Alan, you too!!👍🏼

[@steveverityphotography1281]

Great video Simon, lovely Kingfishers, and barn owl.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Steve, hopefully feature the Barn Owls in the next film !!👍🏼📷

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

Hard work paid off.. great video, thanks for sharing!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevecolwill9761]

Cracking vid again, Simon, and you are so right about putting the hours in. Lovely to get the young ‘fishers on the rod! 👍🏻

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steve, yep gotta get out there!! Yes, i was really chuffed with the rod photos👍🏼📷

[@touchedbynature5445]

Brilliant Channel, Enjoying tips, very inspiring and helpful. Great photography Beautiful. Many thanks for sharing.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, glad youre enjoying the channel.👍🏼📷

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Laughed so much when the kingfisher landed on the spliced part of the perch!! This happens all the time with me🤣😂 Nice video Simon!👍

[@simoneardley]

The thing is i knew it would land there but proceeded to chance it 🥴😂😂📸👀

[@boblaird8475]

Another brilliant vlog watched it twice it has given me some ideas

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Bob, appreciate it 👍🏼📷

[@markfrost9005]

It's your fault that I don't go bed until silly o'clock 🤪 love watching your video's mate, keep them coming!

[@simoneardley]

Haha, sorry Mark !!🤣🤣

[@derricksalisbury7631]

Great info as always yep stick with it Simon 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Derrick👍🏼

[@theopincemin7597]

Such an inspiration, thanks for another great video!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Theo, appreciate that👍🏼😊

[@steveoldham4462]

Prints look amazing, can you advise on preparing from image to print and storage. Many thanks.

[@leeaaron74]

Pleasant watch that Simon. Looks like two Juveniles perched on the fishing rod.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Lee, yeh i was thinking a couple of young uns👍🏼😊

[@laurengornall8284]

Another great video simon and well done to the print winner :) Keep up the great content simon and ty for sharing .

[@simoneardley]

No problem Lauren, thanks for watching😊

[@deanseldon5640]

Nice stuff Simon. Keep at it mate really enjoy your vlogs 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Dean 👍

[@KGsPhotography]

Great stuff Simon. Wildlife just doesn't perform how you want sometimes but you have some great images there. Kingfishers are just amazing! Cheers Keith

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that Keith, every day is different for sure.

[@andyturner4095]

Good as always mate, stay safe.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, you too!👍🏼📷

[@alandearson1270]

Another great video as normal.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Alan👍🏼

[@paulwright3799]

Lol it’s official I’m now liking the video before I’ve watched it.....😂😂🤣 Great vid as ever and it’s great to see the kingfishers.

[@simoneardley]

Haha, better not let the quality drop then. Cheers Paul😀👍📸

[@michaelwallwork7482]

Great video simon👍 Like I've said before, I can relate to everything you do. It's great to get the end result, but I get just as excited in doing all preparation. Keep the videos coming, they're a great watch.👍

[@simoneardley]

Totally agree Michael, the planning is a really great part of the process. All the best Simon

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

I never thought 2 kingfishers would sit on a fishing rod 😂👌great shot very inspiring

[@simoneardley]

I must admit i never expected it either, one of those days eh 😉📸

[@graemehogg4465]

Great vid Simon as always I'm trying to get some Kingfisher shots so hopefully after watching this video I might stand a better chance. Stay safe 👍

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Graeme.Best of luck👍🏼👀📷

[@rickedgar]

Another great vid with some great ideas - keep them coming. :-).

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rick, will do!

[@gemmawarr3942]

loved this video Simon! Beautiful work as ever. You will turn into a fig one day 🤪

[@simoneardley]

I hope not Gemma!!!! Better start rationing i think😆

[@paulbirtwhistle3193]

Love your videos

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul 👍📷

[@robertschweppie5256]

ALWAYS BUILD YOUR HIDE IN THE SHADE

[@johnsparkes8963]

Nice one Simon, cracking kingfisher images. What about 2 black cable ties instead of string on your logs. Thank you for sharing and keep well.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John, yeh chuffed to bits with those pics. Good shout about the ties although getting a full length perch is the way forward i think👍🏼📷

[@60secondmediauk]

great video. you sound fairly local to Bolton where I'm from.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Leon, how did you tell!!! Just outside Preston mate.

[@jim-cl]

Nice video explaining how to do each step. I have been exploring recently the art of Bird Photography and learning how to shoot Kingfishers... it's quite a journey until you get a decent photo. So far I haven't managed, but this video is a great start. How do you do your research on locations? Any recommended website to refer to? Thank you, James

[@simoneardley]

Hi James, i find the best way is to get out on your local public footpaths and have a good mooch about. A good selection of OS maps and binoculars is a must!! Google Earth is also a great assett.

[@jim-cl]

SIMON EARDLEY Thank you Simon, will do so. Keep sharing your great videos! :)

[@wildkernow8596]

Another great video - really good to see some quality UK fieldcraft rather than just technical camera videos, keep them coming! How do you go about finding and contacting land owners of potential sites?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for that, a lot of my permissions come from local knowledge and simply knocking on doors and introducing myself to the landowner. If you come across well theres not many that say no.

[@chriswynne505]

Cracking video Simon isn't it always the way landing exactly on the perch where you don;t want them to be ;-)

[@simoneardley]

Yeh always the case, sods law mate!!📷👀👍🏼

[@Naturasipescuitcu_Sebar]

Hi, nice video. What camera do you have? Is bird photography equipment expensive? For the beginner level of bird watching and photography, which camera do you recommend? Lumix fz 80/82, fz300, fz10002 What do you think about these cameras? Thanks.

[@simoneardley]

Yes, it is expensive but you dont have to spend a fortune to begin with. There are some great DSLR deals to be had at places like MPB, MIFSUDS etc on used gear. I wouldnt recommend a bridge camera for wildlife.

[@Ramotttholl]

nice branches.. sady most places i can find those near me are all managed so much they technically don't even want people to pick up apricorns or take a step of the paths. i do however know the location of a Kingfisher nest in my local pond... sadly all there favorite locations are on the small islands 20 meters in. there is one location closeby they drop in.. but its so close to a walking path he's gone seconds after i spot him when walking by and people often walk by there. (and i don't have much camo like you had here).

[@simoneardley]

Thats a shame, you maybe need to travel further afield to get away from the crowds. Good luck in your new search and dont give up!!

[@macapaka25]

What is the red and black rubber looking toggle on the camera strap mounting I've seen this on other people cameras but never known what it is

[@macapaka25]

Visable at 26:25

[@simoneardley]

Hi Macauley, its part of a camera strap made by Peak Design. The one i have is the SLIDE, the strap has 2 quick release toggles that stay on the camera. The toggles enable the strap to be removed quickly and easily as required.

[@macapaka25]

@@simoneardley thank you for responding Simon

[@mikecoward8289]

I would give my larst fig roll for shot of a kingfisher never mind two!

[@simoneardley]

😆😆That was a cracking day for sure Mike, thanks for viewing 👍🏼

[@paulmiller7624]

I'm in

[@NikCan66]

Well I haven’t been able to get to photograph anything anywhere here in Ireland due to nationwide lockdown since end of February 2020. Limit of 3.2 miles or just 5km limit and can’t leave your county boundaries.

[@simoneardley]

😩Hopefully there'll be an end to it soon 👍🏼📷🤞🤞

[@kenjones9123]

i want a Hat!