Scottish Wildlife Hides - Sparrowhawks, with the Nikon Z9

Part 2 of my Scottish Adventure.
In this episode we visit the famous Scottish Wildlife Hides run by Alan McFadyen (photographyhides.co.uk).
I have been trying to get to these hides for some time now after seeing them featured on Autumnwatch in 2015. Chris Packham raved about these hides and claimed that the Sparrowhawk who resides there (MADMAX) is the best example of a sparrow hawk in the world, a bold claim and something I am more than willing to find out.
So sit back and enjoy this thrilling experience in the Sparrowhawk Hide!!!
Equipment Used:
Nikon Z9
Nikon 500mm f4G
Nikon FTZ 2 Adapter
DJI Pocket 2
DJI Microphone
GoPro Hero 11 Black edition
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Enjoyed the music in this video then click the link below for a free trial:
share.epidemicsound.com/tdfry2
Feel free to drop me any comments and I will always get back to you.

[@petersuvara]

It's hard work photographing birds, and hardwork filming someone photographing birds. Doing it all yourself takes exceptional skill! As a KZbinr doing the same, I appreciate your work. Thanks ! :)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Peter, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

And another magnificent spot. My "to do" list is growing! 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Alan’s hides are probably one of the best hides in the country he has lots of different hides with different species. Well worth a visit, I’ll pop a link below 👇🏻 photographyhides.co.uk

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Beautiful shots Dan! That was a great hide indeed! Thanks!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Jon. Alan McFadden who runs this hide is an outstanding photographer 👍🏻

[@seanjonesphotos]

This is a great video. Especially as i’ve just booked to use the sparrowhawk hide there in a couple of weeks. Thanks as always for your clips Dan. Tremendous 🙏🏼📷

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Sean, you will have a fantastic time in Alan’s hide he’s an absolute gentleman and has worked really hard to achieve great hides 👍🏻

[@rachelg7371]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. I just learned about the hides from a friend. It’s now on the bucket list! Thank you 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Rachel, I can thoroughly recommend Alan’s hides they are fantastic. All the best 👍🏻

[@RichardCookphotography]

Fab video Dan. When I'm next in the U.K.. would love to visit this place. Great shots too👍👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Richard, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Hi Dan, first time I’ve come across one of your videos and will be now watching many more as subscribed. Great video and very informative on settings and bird information. Alan’s hides are one place I need to get to along with the one at Leeds you mention aswell. Look forward to watching more of your videos. Great to see you also a Nikon man aswell 😃 I have Z6ii. 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers for your comment and support Ian, I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@j30roth]

Had exactly the same experience with Geoff copper a week ago, was an awsome day. Enjoyed the video 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment I appreciate, yeah I missed Geoff and yourself by a couple of days. Glad you guys had a great trip too 👍🏻

[@ianjackson9706]

lovely dan nice mate

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Ian, appreciate it 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Marvellous, what a facility, love the videos, as a birder and retired Falconer there much appreciated 👏

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Derek, I appreciate your feedback and support 👍🏻

[@relichunter7984]

Another well presented video Dan, looks a great place. Superb Sparrowhawk images.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment and continued support, I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@Rob.1340]

Fantastic birds. Cheers Dan. All the best. 👍📷😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Rob 👍🏻

[@Capcity44]

That was an outstanding adventure. All of the birds were absolutely gorgeous. Well done!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks, I really appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻

[@twitcherspictures]

Great video Dan.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you so much 😊

[@photographic_nomad]

Another great vlog Dan. It's a fantastic little hide. Some great info on the sparrowhawk too.

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers mate, really appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻

[@ianwilson784]

Smashing video, I was lucky enough to spend a weekend there a couple of years ago, great hides and a top bloke in Alan. May is a great time to visit, the whole valley is carpeted in Bluebells and provides a beautiful background. You also get plenty of light if you're lucky enough to get sunshine! Keep up the good work with the videos, great to see all your exploits!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻

[@rikarthur8969]

Dan, I've watched all four of your Scottish adventure and have to say that I've enjoyed them all immensely. I remember the Dumfries end of your tour having used Alan's hides for "Monty", and kingfishers and badgers and will be there again in June. You've now inspired me to scratch the itch and head north to Speyside which I've been meaning to do since Covid put it on the back-burner. Keep bringing us your videos, they are great.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rik I really appreciate your comment and can thoroughly recommend Speyside it’s a stunning part of the world 👍🏻

[@chrismc2090]

Well done Dan, fantastic shots and video of the Sparrowhawks., beautiful birds aren't they! We have a male and female visit our garden from time to time, I have managed to get some great shots of them in the past, always good to see, despite them nearly always managing a kill, like you said, female catches pigeons and collared doves, the male smaller garden birds. Keep up the good work, Chris

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Chris, thanks for your comment and support I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@sonnydugganphotography]

Class got to love the Sparrowhawk! Another great Video Dan 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Sonny, appreciate your support 👍🏻

[@PapaVeedy]

Great video! The Sparrowhawk looks similar to our Sharp-chinned Hawk we have here. Thank you! I’m in BC Canada.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment and support, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@MrDAVEcrouchy]

Enjoyed that. Shame it’s a happy memory already as it’s just over 24 hours since I was in the same spot. The flash tour I can thoroughly recommend. The sparrowhawk was the only one I got twitchy on. It came in about 20 past 3 and I had to meet Alan at 4 for the otter so that was close one. Hope you’ve got one lined up for the Goshawk.

[@danwillis_photography]

I’m looking forward to seeing all your images from the flash tour Dave, especially of the otter. Cheers for the comment and support mate I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@davelangley2965]

Good vid Dan and great work as always. Mad Max is such an awesome looking bird of prey that must of been worth every minute of your patience waiting. Best to pops.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Dave, appreciate your support as always. Will pass on your comment to Pops 👍🏻

[@alanmcfadyen9407]

First class that Dan brilliant from start to finish mate 👏

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Alan, easy to make videos when your setup is as good as it is. I look forward to future visits 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Great video Dan, some cracking shots too

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@GeoffCooper]

Great video Dan, I was there just last weekend (26th Feb) and it was absolutely fantastic! Was your visit also quite recent? It looked very similar to what we had except we didn't get any siskins! We also had the juvenile sparrowhawk hanging out under the reflection pool - must be his place!

[@danwillis_photography]

Cheers Geoff, we must’ve just missed each other I was there a couple of days prior. One day we’ll bump into each other I’m sure👍🏻 thanks for the support I appreciate it.

[@GeoffCooper]

@@danwillis_photography I’m sure we will! Could even sort out a meet-up / collaboration at some point..

[@danwillis_photography]

@@GeoffCooper that would be fantastic Geoff and something I would genuinely be up for 👍🏻

[@paulcamp2787]

I too own the fantastic Z9. What focus mode do you use most often and what firmware did you use in this video?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for the comment Paul. This video was shot on firmware 3.0. As for focus modes I use wide area small on the shutter button, 3d tracking with animal recognition on the back button and then single point on the top front programmable button. It sounds overkill but I switch between them depending on the situation and feel that this gives me the highest hit rate. I’ve just recorded a video on it which I will release in the not to distant future as it’s probably the most commonly asked question. Hope that answers your question 👍🏻

[@paulcamp2787]

@@danwillis_photography That sounds like a great combination. Using the top front programmable button with single point is one I haven't tried. I do use the other settings for the back button and shutter. I have firmware 3.1 and it seems to be a noticeable improvement over 3.0.

[@danwillis_photography]

@@paulcamp2787 thanks for your feedback I will definitely be getting latest firmware update 👍🏻

[@TheShuteye]

Great video. Been there last year with the Nikon Z7ii. How do you find shooting with the Z9 and did you give the focus tracking a run for its money. Interested to know. Cheers

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks for your comment and support. I find the focus system on the Z9 is incredible, if it’s setup right and you understand it’s limitations. I use the back button for 3d tracking with animal recognition, the shutter button for wide are small and program the front top button to single point focus which is the same as my dslr. By combining the three I am able to nail most situations now. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@TheShuteye]

@@danwillis_photography thanks Dan that’s makes since setting the focus points for different buttons. The Z9 is a beast and it should be well capable on higher ISO. thanks again for reply.

[@steveallen5738]

I wouldn’t worry so much about low ISO when you’ve got that camera. Have a look at Jan Wegener channel and video he did about it .

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Steve I will take a look 👍🏻

[@TheJacksnipe]

Amazing opportunities, but in my opnion there is too much moss everywhere. Many wildlife photographers do this "mistake" in Germany, too, but you don't see very often a bird standing on a mossy twig or branch in the wild. Doesn't look natural...

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you for your comment, I do agree with you that it can look staged and even unnatural but equally bare branches and stumps can also not look very photogenic. I guess it’s down to personal choice 👍🏻

[@TheJacksnipe]

@@danwillis_photography Of course it is 🙂

[@colintraveller]

Must be cold in that building if yer havin to wear a beanie ... lol Man up ...

[@danwillis_photography]

Yeah it was freezing 🥶