BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY FROM BLIND - my routines

How to photograph birds from a photo blind. My routines step by step. How to, baiting, camera traps and behind the scenes.
Location: Denmark
Date: November 2020 (2 days)
Day: 11°C (52°F)
Night: 2°C (36°F)
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The book (In Danish only): Nordens Kloge Kragefugle:
www.naturbutik...
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A few questions:
1. What kind of blind are you using?
Home made - I got it from a friend four years ago. I have modified it a bit with a foam floor. It is really heavy so I had to move it to the field with a tractor and put it on some logs to avoid the moisture destroying the wood. I would like to modify it so that I have windows 360.
2. What meat do you use for baiting?
I most often use road kills that I find when I drive around. Sometimes one of the farmers has some bones after slaughtering - I also use that. I prefer road kills though because they are natural and because I move them from the road and avoid further kills of scavengers like craws, ravens and foxes. I have an extra freezer to store these road kills. I am very aware not to bait too often. Usually 5-10 times during one season. I do not want to disturb the natural behaviour of the wildlife by making them used to a feeding spot.
3. What kind of tripod are you using in the blind?
I use a home made ground pod to avoid the legs of a normal tripod. The ground pod is made of steel pipes welded together and painted. I originally made it for photographing shorebirds where pushing the normal tripod through the sand was quite cumbersome. In the snow I use it with a pair of small skis that I can click on. Commercial ground pods are available though.
4. How do you record through your viewfinder?
I use an Atomos Ninja V that I have connected to the camera. I find it rather difficult to use for general wildlife photography because it add both weight and volume. I think it is worth it though since it allows me to sometimes share my view through the camera.
5. What camera and lens are you using and why?
In this video I am using the Nikon 600mm f/4 FL lens on the Nikon Z6 with the FTZ adapter. I like to use this setup in the blind because the low aperture lets me blur both the foreground and the background. Furthermore the combination of the fast lens and the full-frame sensor with relatively few megapixels on the Z6 is a brilliant combination in low light.
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Enjoy watching.
See you out there...

[@hfranke07]

The way you can capture me with "nothing"..... no music, no big animals or canyons..... just the love to nature. No stress. Awesome. Love it.

[@malcolmfowler2891]

It’s not just your photography I admire, your ingenuity, craftsmanship and patience are equally inspiring

[@thomastuorto9929]

Some times , OUT THERE in the wilderness , you just can't hop a few miles or even towns to get what you want or need. Plus a lot of times it saves you money & you can get a more use full out come.

[@sonateradio]

My favourite wildlife photographer

[@onelifeonedream6671]

Me tooo

[@syedzohair]

Let’s grab a snack and watch Morten Whisper into the camera😂♥️

[@davidallepuz9857]

Danish people are so repectful with nature that it shows everywhere as it's best. And Morten, you are very best example of it. I have visited Denmark many times as my son is a DTU student and allways appreciated the way you, the danish, live side by side in harmony with nature. In my last visit just a month ago I was able to take images of ravens, owls, deers, etc just taking a walk from my son's home. Morten, you and people like you, make it possible because you are the best Nature ambassador. People respect and love what they know and you make them love Nature. Great job Morten! Best regards from Barcelona!

[@basserfelt]

You should see the debate there is here in Denmark regarding if the wolfs belong here or not...

[@killtheskill]

I’ve been blessed with a baby boy this week and I am gonna talk about Morten’s stories during his bed time.. thank you so much for sharing these experiences:) lots of love.. 🇮🇳

[@gissibelmar]

I thought you were gonna name it Morten.

[@Vooshlik65]

Dear Morten, thank you for all the effort you put into grasping these precious moments in audio and video. You are my favourite in KZbin

[@tibbefuchs968]

Please never stop making videos! Legend!

[@joshuahorner2639]

You have such a great gift. You may have created a whole new group of fans just letting the work speak for itself. I like the new format.

[@sburgos9621]

Great photos and sound advice. I especially enjoy the silence in the first half of the video. It reminds me of this last summer and the time I spent in my first makeshift blind that I built out of fallen trees, bushes and rope. Due to the pandemic I left NYC and spent many months in the Adirondacks learning from experience and from videos like this one here, to perfect my wildlife photography/videography skills. I also made many wildlife friends including red squirrels and a chipmunk who would sit with me in the blind while I took photos/videos. Watching your video makes me wish I was back there again. Being in the wild in the silence can be very therapeutic and a reminder of the unmatched beauty of the natural world that is always present whether we notice it or not.

[@giuseppecapilli1954]

Morten you made it possible for me to consider you as a friend even though we never met, you are a great human being and a great photographer. Thank you!

[@moinnoori3456]

Morten himself can make a movie on wildlife , just look at his angles while making videos , its like a movie sequence ❤️

[@_________188]

Yep

[@avaya6910]

Yeah man!

[@Samuel-dr9ev]

And I thought, this is a movie.

[@andhib]

Always a good watch! Beautiful Jay pictures Morten. You have the utmost respect for wildlife and your preparation and attention to detail to avoid disturbing the wildlife is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing another photo experience.

[@reclusa5723]

Dear Morten Your videos are the best thing about wildlife photography i've ever seen I practice photography, at least I try, in the unique setting of macrophoto, with the Olympus system. I've always wanted to get into wildlife photography, as I'm passionate about nature and thanks to your videos, I'm going to take a leap When I see the quality of the content you offer, I make a trip every time I connect to your KZbin channel, and this every day. Society, hunters, all those who harm our environment should learn from you to known and respect it ! You are a kind of magician with et heart and a camera instead of a stick, a defender of nature! May you continue in this way! I admire you! Too bad I live so far away, I wish you had met... Cedric (Sorry for the quality of my english, but i'm french !)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much for your kind words Cedric. I wish you all the best luck on your trips😊

[@nigeldalton2561]

I just love watching everything you do - you're an inspirational ambassador for photography.

[@Sashman077]

Morten, I admire your art and your devotion to your art. The first part of your video was astonishing. No words were needed. You told your story like few are capable of doing. Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge. You are an inspiration.

[@stefanplomp7593]

Through your videos, you make the "silent knowledge" that is normally really hard to aquire, loud and clear for everyone here. I thank you for it.

[@blockcollection]

Siempre me gusto la manera en la que garba 😀

[@themadhavsharmaphotography7029]

10mins of no words and still pure relaxation - morten special talent

[@ryanackland9330]

Love the new format you are using for your videos. Thank you so much for showing us how you go about getting your images, techniques,hints and tips. I am just clearing a paddock I have on my land ready for building a photo blind in the new year, I would love to know how you built yours as there are so many out there, yours looks just the thing I'm looking for. Have a great 7days in the forest and look forward to seeing the video of your adventures, good luck!

[@mrhristv]

Very peaceful. I wish I have this moment someday in my life.

[@Gudoterror]

Passion and perseverance, I love this video!!!😱😱🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@davidcoombs3329]

Fabulous in so many ways. It is always worth the wait. Some photographers produce a video every 7 days and I think pushing to do that they sometimes lower the quality. Your videos are so enjoyable and your style is developing so nicely. And you clearly put in so much time and effort. Thanks.

[@shyamalsinp]

Aha, wait is over !! Just finished the 23.41 minutes of meditation!! Thanks a lot.

[@naturepic7738]

I love this kind of video so much! Your pictures are so impressive. Thank you very very much for sharing these moments in nature with us!

[@darkhorsefotos]

Absolutely spectacular 👍🏻❤️

[@starsearchreject]

I've finally had a chance to binge-watch the past two months of your videos - it's been a stressful and busy time. Thank you so much. You really do make the world a better place.

[@zafarullahkhokhar8252]

I talk to you sometime if you free now you text me

[@CullenCarrera]

I loved this video. The first 10 minutes were so relaxing. No talking, little to no music, and most importantly NO ADS. I will gladly take a longer ad done by you at a good part of the video than nonsense stuff interrupting after every 5 minuets.

[@RichardBirchett]

Well, never a dull moment or any disappointment my friend! And good to see your a dab hand at sowing and making your own accessories! Sweet work, some cracking images, Jays such an underrated Crow! Very relaxing watch as always and an inspiration to others! Great advice behind the scenes, so important to let the subjects relax before the shutter fires! Well done MH 🙏👍. Regards R:-)

[@littlemike50]

Picking up some tips Richard, lol, it's ok I am still watching yours...

[@RichardBirchett]

@@littlemike50 lol, good man👍 I’ve been watching Morten since he started. Great thing about watching other people is that you never stop learning and we all pick up tips from each other which is cool. He’s always got great content 👍.all the best R 👍

[@bucey9433]

Love all your content!!! I'm about 1 yr into wildlife photography and love every second you are an amazing photographer

[@RobertTeague]

Great video, I love the way you let the images speak for themselves.

[@stevesimmons688]

Always a pleasure watching you work

[@evilawkeye2215]

Morten, love watching your videos! You have a unique style and you bring that across in the way you present it!

[@daviddrbal488]

It's always a joy to watch your vlogs. I have to admit even your filmography gets better and it has very high quality. The content doesn't surprise me. Very informative presented with such a style, I always want to run to the wild after the video ends.

[@simonbriggsQCB]

What a perfect end to my day. These videos relax you, take you on a journey with nature and teach you so much. And that's why only the one's who put in the time and effort will be rewarded with amazing images or video clips. It's a pity normal work gets in the way. Or does it? Well done Morten another brilliant video.

[@christinearmstrong852]

Hey Morten..thank you for the lessons on photography..keep you videos coming..stay well n safe

[@rodlara7410]

Hi Morten, this morning i just wait for a video and i'm here. Thanks

[@ernstfischer8415]

Oh man diese Ausrüstung da läuft mir das Wasser im Mund zusammen es sei dir gegönnt ,Super Fotos .

[@joehutter6799]

Morten your wealth of information is fantastic. So relaxed and I love how you share the settings and how you stage the location.

[@michaelfinnwildlifephotogr5768]

Nice little video, Morten. Plenty of good advice for budding photographers. Keep up the good work. Best wishes and Stay safe.

[@jsimes1]

We have been in lockdown here in America for a long time but I have been able to observe the birds in my own back garden and it is so interesting how the different personalities of the birds dictate how you photograph them. The wee little chickadee is bold and I can actually sit out on my deck or walk around the feeder and the chickadee will squawk at me but not fly away. The Blue Jay on the other had is a very large and loud bird but also is very skittish and if I even look out the window they fly away. So I put out my popup photo blind early in the morning to photograph the Blue Jays. Thank you for pointing out your focusing techniques it has really helped alot!

[@ronitdev5040]

That's what I call passion!!

[@amityone1]

It's awesome 👏

[@imadclicks]

Ur my inspiration

[@rayeaglenz]

Always high-quality content, interesting, beautifully filmed, and edited, thank you, Morten 😊

[@HASSANDairy]

Very creatively beautiful❤️📸

[@TonyingGomez]

It is not just your vlog is relaxing, also your voice is just a lullaby to my ears that makes me sleep ☺️☺️☺️

[@tectorama]

It's nice to have somewhere to do this. I set up some perches at a local nature reserve. Some branches with holes drilled in to hold bird seed.. Unfortunately someone removed them. There are now no perches for the birds, so they don't come anywhere close to the hides, or viewing areas.

[@waynearchibald3920]

I can just watch your videos all day Morten, happy holidays and thankyou!

[@gmutt26]

3 mins in and already i feel better today! every time i see your videos it makes me want to build a blind in my garden but i just dont get the wildlife! maybe i will build it anyway and just drink coffee and sit in the quiet to watch your videos. thank you Morton

[@bosiefoobar]

i never knew nature photography is that much work, thanks for the BTS

[@selenopva]

i just... i really want to enjoy life like you! actually the best out there.

[@Uncagethewild]

You're a great photographer and a great teacher 👍. Loved the way you explained every simple thing, learned a lot Greetings from India 🇮🇳

[@andyblessett1282]

3:06 : A Teapot!!?...Tea?, 😲 , you haven't changed your religion have you? Terrific work as usual, really looking forward to seeing your next adventure.

[@REYNARDOG]

I salute to his hard work and dedication

[@ryandury]

Wow, another fantastic video. Really appreciated the behind the scenes content.

[@pocpoc47]

Really nice and instructive video Morten as always! (I never thought of the aperture scaring the birds!). I really want to thank you for all these amazing quality videos! Your attitude about nature and wildlife is incredible! You really inspired me to start getting a little more serious about wildlife photography. I am considering upgrading my tamron 100-400mm to something a little more sharp and fast when the budget will allow it. I am really torn between a 300mm f/2.8 and a 500mm f/4.. Both are of course great lenses but I'm not sure which would be the best for me, shooting mostly roe deer and birds for now. Thanks again for all the inspiration you give to all of us! See you out there with some coffee!

[@dannynash5713]

Really awesome! Love all the information and instruction. Superb!

[@chantaljacques7664]

Awesome blind! Awesome video Morten! Great photography!

[@allergyape]

I’m gona need a lot of coffee now. Enjoy your trip, Morten. See you in 7... may be 8days???

[@simoneardley]

Your film highlights the amount of work and preparation that goes into getting some great shots. These birds are tremendously clever, especially the Corvids. I bet the mirrorless system is a great asset with the silent shutter, my D500 sounds like a machine gun!!I was in my hide yesterday photographing Buzzards also and all the hard work came off after weeks of setting up. You beat me to it, my Buzzard film is out tomorrow. Loving the new format.📷 👍🏼

[@ElusiveFrame]

Awesome video and great shots! I never even thought about the behavior of the birds. It seemed as simple as getting into the shed and snapping photos but in fact there is so much more to it!

[@JannetWalsh]

Thanks for posting! I'm trying to figure out a window photo blind and you have given me a few ideas. THANKS from cold Minnesota!

[@zafarullahkhokhar8252]

I want talk to you sometime If you free now you text me

[@barrettbachner8657]

thank you very much you've been a massive inspiration for me and you've been getting me through quarantine

[@SourcePhotography]

Such a beautiful and tranquil setting. Your photography is exquisite, Morten. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@peberhardt_net]

Really great picture of the jay with the funny hairstyle, I really enjoyed that one :)

[@UAGOfficial]

Cool I love the way you photography 💗🤩💗🤩 unbelievable

[@ardshair9052]

Your video has given me another level of satisfaction

[@AK-de3ej]

I must agree with you - it is very important to know the behavior of the birds you want to photograph. I think that wildlife photography is very hard. Last weekend I took some great shots using my Nikon D7500 and Sigma 100-400. I think that my next camera will be one of the Nikon's mirror less model if there will be no successor for D7500/D500. For those who thinking that D7500 is bad camera - it is much better for bird photography than Nikon D7200. Buffer and shooting speed is much better and this gives me the chance to take a huge series of birds going to start to fly. If you do not have money for D500 take D7500 - it is great camera for the actual price.

[@rinofalvo2854]

Great video Morten! I appreciate the detail you go into when preparing. You think about every little thing. Have a great trip in the forest!

[@glttheriault]

It is nice to see your screen while you are taking photos and see your settings switching. Great tips as usual and very informative. Thanks for sharing and good luck on your trip!

[@FranciscoMMartin]

Bravo Morten, excelente video y explicación de tu trabajo. Haz más videos así, por favor. Gracias. Bravo Morten, excellent video and explanation of your work. Make more videos like this, please. Thank you.

[@davidcf1599]

You are incredible, as well as a great source of inspiration

[@joefrat]

You are a wizard. Thanks for everything you do.

[@urmumsgstring8254]

great video Morten, and some really good tips thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@richardmelias2695]

I've never seen a man more passionate about something in my whole life, its truly inspiring..you sure do love your coffee!

[@micahbell9093]

Wish I can live in an area just like yours. You have so much wildlife

[@izakgreyling8872]

Great video Morten. Very helpful.

[@Elfinmagico]

Sooo relaxing!! Wow!

[@ChuckNorris-ge7eh]

Fantastic video morten I love the styles of all your videos keep up the good work and stay safe!

[@TheMadViking92]

I just finished basic training and I am looking forward to catching up on six months of content. I love your stuff Morten Hilmer, keep it up.

[@GUSTACIO7435]

Always inspiring Morten

[@nektariosdroulos1852]

Very nice starting! I would suggest you arriving and finishing preparations before any light and change the side door with a back one.

[@NikCan66]

Always brilliant thought provoking content

[@chewmintzer5598]

Amazing nature photography works always from Morten. I saluted. 😊

[@SamClarkPhotographerAdventurer]

Always inspiring Morten! Would love to spend time in Nature with you when I next come to Europe.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up, Morten? This as always was very informative. You really know what you're doing. Great video my friend. Peace!!!!!

[@neilthacker2069]

I appreciate all the info that you share in your videos...some fine images in this one,and what a comfortable looking living space too!

[@JonasBeyerPhotography]

BEAUTIFUL video Morten. Absolutely inspiring to hear about all your thoughts.

[@kirkasplin776]

Thanks Morten, another great, informative video! Thank you for sharing your incredible talents with us.

[@williamcinco2489]

Another great video Morten👍👍❤😊

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Great explanations and cinemotography Morten! You've inspired me to do this on a farm I have permission to visit.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great stuff Morten! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelwolf8781]

Nice to have a trail cam 👍

[@brunosscarpato]

Oh yeah, time to relax and enjoy one more wonderful video from Morten! :)

[@NicolajVR]

as always, a fantastic video and huge inspiration!

[@monicatellez7984]

Excelente video, muchas gracias

[@doomsdayhelldozer]

This was more relaxing than yoga. Thank you for your beautiful videos and of course photos. Hilser fra Norge 🙏

[@dannydivilly6146]

Its unreal how your videos are always so entertaining and educational. Keep up the hard work, dude!

[@Julia-by4qq]

Your work is so amazing. Its a pleasure to watch your videos.