Yorkshire Photography Hides - The Finest Kestrels in the UK

[@martinbaker718]

Visited Charlie’s Hide at the weekend. Fantastic setup and kestrels were constantly visiting. They were proper showing off in the afternoon as the light improved. It’s like they knew!

[@danwillis_photography]

It’s an incredible hide, glad you had a fantastic experience mate 👍🏻

[@mk1photography62]

Just got this on my you tube feed really glad i did great fun time with you both😊 fantastic photography

[@danwillis_photography]

I’m glad you found the channel and hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the comment and support, it’s really appreciated 👍🏻

[@tonyh4266]

Hi to you both. I’ve followed you for ages but don’t comment much. I’m a very keen 73 year old, not as mobile these days ,but try. Wonderful video, I’ve always loved kestrels and these shots you both captured, anybody would be proud to have taken. I live down on the north Norfolk coast and as you must know wildfowl are the main attraction here, although we do get rare winter visitors, mainly song birds. Thank you for sharing this excellent experience with us. TonyH

[@danwillis_photography]

Many thanks Tony your continued support really does mean a lot to us. I’m hoping to travel down to the Norfolk coast next month to visit the Grey Seals as they pup, it’s a beautiful part of the country. All the best 👍🏻

[@littlesue2633]

Love the video and so enjoy your and Pops having fun together!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks Sue, we really appreciate it and always have plenty of laughs when we are out together 😂

[@tonyw3250]

Love the photos and the interaction between you and your dad

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Tony, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@michaelgoodwin8839]

What a great hide and some fantastic shots you and pop’s took look forward to seeing more of you and pop’s out and about take care mike

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mike, we really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

[@KWTImages]

Great video Dan/Pops beautiful Kestrels, this is on I might visit...😊😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Keith, I can thoroughly recommend this. Mick is a great guy and the hide is a cracker 👍🏻

[@johnflanagan44]

Yet another fantastic images and fantastic vlog

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much John 👍🏻

[@debbiesmith2332]

Another great video. Beautiful birds and some lovely shots. Looking forward to your next one!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Debbie, appreciate it 😊

[@andrewterrell6801]

Such beautiful birds.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andrew 👍🏻

[@SwanSycorax]

Really enjoyed that. One of your best Dan (and Pops!). Plenty to think about.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Brian we really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Hi Dan/Stu, My comment seems to have been deleted… However, I did say what a cracking vlog this is & how that YWH has been on my radar for a while; & this reaffirms it. There’s one big disappointment though Dan… How could you stop at 475 Goldfinch images, surely it should have been rounded up to 500! 🤣🤣🤣 Excellent stuff guys, some stunning images & footage; as well as the usual banter between you two & some great hints & tips too. Great stuff guys 👌👏👏👏 Keep on keeping on! Best, Nick

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Nick, not sure what happened to your original comment I never saw it. Definitely give this place a try when you are up in this neck of the woods it’s a cracking hide. Loving your comment about the goldfinch, it definitely made me chuckle. All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@Towers-telegraph]

Great video looking forward to the next one 😃

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks James, that really does mean a lot 😊

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Wonderful day out! As a former hunter using hides, I like a "Buddy Heater" to stay comfortable in the hide. I don't know the rules there, but if it is allowed, that really makes things nice. Thanks for letting us tag along!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Jon, not heard of a ‘buddy heater’ before but will definitely look into them. Thanks for the suggestion, all the best 👍🏻

[@rachelg7371]

I’m learning about different birds. This was so relaxing to watch and informative. Nice that you and Pops got to share this experience and even nicer that you got the shots you wanted! Thank you 😊

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rachel, I really appreciate that and I’m glad you found the video informative 😊

[@josephtaylor7456]

Great viewing from a great hide well done both

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Joseph 👍🏻

[@derekclark4762]

Fabulous little falcons, wonderful video, very enjoyable, also loved the Kevin footage you had previously. Thanks for another great show, cheers to you both 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, really appreciate your comment and continued support mate 👍🏻

[@Bird_in_camera]

Well, another awesome video. You need to change your channel name to 'The Dan and Pops Show', good that you included a bit about auto capture, been experimenting myself too. I set it to movement and bird detection, set up aperture, floating ISO and minimum shutter speed. Set camera in position and finally use wide area C1 (custom) set to what ever the scene is (big or small). I reduced continous high to 15 fps and let it rip. I have been to Mick's nook hide...pretty awesome day with all manner of woodland birds and star of the show, a female Sparrowhawk.

[@danwillis_photography]

I like the sound of the Dan and Pops Show 👍🏻 Thanks very much, as always. We really do appreciate it. I think that more experimentation is required with autocapture and I like the sound of your suggestion 👍🏻 All the very best

[@MENSA.lady2]

I've not tried Kestrels, but photographing exotic butterflies in the jungles of Costa Rica is very challenging. You have to bribe them with food (A slice of mango works well) to get them to stand still for you to get your picture. Lots of fun but worth the effort.

[@danwillis_photography]

Costa Rica is definitely a place that I would love to visit in the future 👍🏻

[@deolimjo]

Loved the content Dan, great shots showing amazing detail of the kestrels, well done thank you for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@markprice470]

I went there are couple of years ago - I had an amazing time and need to rebook - fabulous video as always Dan

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Mark, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

id love to go here Dan been great meeting u and pops recently ur a top photographer and great chatting

[@danwillis_photography]

It’s well worth a visit Mike, Mick who runs the hides is a really top bloke and is currently developing a second hide. Pops goes quite a lot during the week, it’s more difficult to book for weekends 👍🏻

[@CliveMear]

Superb... for Kestrels and Buzzards, you could try Tom Robinson's (Wildlife Photography Hides) near Bourne in Lincolnshire... a similar standard of experience. Lovely pics Dan and Pops... cheers for sharing!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Clive and thanks for your suggestion on Tom Robinson’s hide I will look into that 👍🏻

[@petertown9467]

Somerset wildlife hides has a great setup with kestrels its well worth a visit I've been 8 times and have many flight shots.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Peter I will take a look at that 👍🏻

[@relichunter7984]

Great video Dan, looks a good setup. The images of the pair on the post were fantastic.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, it really is a fantastic setup with so much thought gone into every aspect of the hide. Well worth a visit 👍🏻

[@andywilson3381]

Brilliant Dan, looks an amazing place, it’s one thing I miss in Cornwall is decent hides!! Keep up the good work 👍

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andy. Not in Cornwall but I can recommend a very nice hide in the New Forest which isn’t too far away from you 👍🏻

[@robbrackimp]

Went there for an afternoon shoot in August with my son , and both got some great shots of both adults and youngsters. Fully endorse your comments, Dan & Pops, in your excellent video.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Rob, it really is a cracking hide isn’t it 👍🏻

[@chrispitman1169]

Just fantastic another great video well done lads

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Chris, really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@craigjones1219]

Quality content again. I don't know what was funnier, the Woodpecker song from Pops of the 475 images.

[@danwillis_photography]

😂😂😂 thanks very much Craig, really appreciated your comment it made both Pops and me laugh. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@ysteinbjrkelund8449]

Amazing photos and video, one of your best! There are so many nice places that are set up for photography in the UK. Maybe I should consider a trip?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Øystein it’s really appreciated. I would definitely recommend a UK trip 👍🏻

[@keitharmitage7588]

What a great video from you both. Stunning images and great information about your settings and overall experience. I have booked to go there for the end of next week and I am so looking forward to it. I don't have the quality of equipment that you do but I'm hoping that my Nikon D810 and Sigma 150-600 mm f5.6-6.3 Contemporary set up will get me images that I'll be happy with. Keep up the great work that you do.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Keith, really appreciate your kind words and support. You will have a fantastic experience with those Kestrels they are absolutely stunning and Mick really looks after you. I think your setup is absolutely perfect for this hide, the sigma giving you flexibility throughout the focal lengths for all the available perches. Have a cracking trip 👍🏻

[@raysanders332]

Wow, beautiful.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻

[@johngunning2123]

Great video Dan. I've already emailed Mick and told him when I'm going to be in the UK.👍

[@danwillis_photography]

That's fantastic John, Mick is a great guy and will definitely look after you. Please mention the channel when you book, if you wouldn't mind. Thanks

[@johngunning2123]

@@danwillis_photography Will do!

[@albertjones2894]

Great blog Dan, of to this hide next Wednesday and the info you have provided via this blog is priceless, thanks both.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Albert, hope you have a very successful trip 👍🏻

[@davidblackwell6842]

Great video Dan and pops I am up there next year looks great set

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Dave, well worth checking it out on your trip and Mick (very much like yourself with your foxes) is incredibly knowledgeable and a top guy 👍🏻

[@davidchurch1541]

stunning

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much David 👍🏻

[@cliveingram9840]

Loved this and would really like to visit. Inspirational as ever!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Clive, can definitely recommend this hide it’s incredible 👍🏻

[@robertgilbert484]

Just enjoying this video on TV atm. I love Kestrels and it is interesting to see how different they are in the UK. We have Nankeen Kestrels here in Australia. I am lucky to live near a wetlands area near Melbourne and we get all sorts, migratory birds, waders, lots of small birds and quite a few Raptors including Kestrels, BS Kites, Little Eagles, Swamp Harriers, Australian Hobbies, Peregrine Falcons and more. There was a Twitchathon last Saturday in our local "shire" and the record was 110 species.

[@danwillis_photography]

WOW Robert it sounds like a wildlife photographer’s paradise, I hope to visit Australia in the future. Thanks for your comment and support it’s appreciated 👍🏻

[@chrismc2090]

Hi Dan & Pops! another cracking video, two beautiful Kestrals, like you say, every bit as good as Kevin if not better, BTW, I have seen Mr & Mrs Kevin together, but very hard to get photos of them in one shot. You are right about hides being cold places, especially in the UK, but I mentioned in one of your other videos we were in Majorca in September at Parque Natural S'Albufera de Mallorca, inside the hides there temperatures were 35C+, completely different to the UK, sweltering!! :) We are flying out there again in the morning for a weeks birding in that area and the Tramontana Mountains, looking forward to it. Keep up the good work guys, always look forward to watching your quality videos. Chris

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Chris, I have to say I’m supremely jealous of your birding trip it sounds amazing. What kind of birds do you see and is it photographic or twitcher focused? All the very best mate 👍🏻

[@chrismc2090]

Thanks Dan, yes Majorca is a fantastic place for birders. My wife watches and I take photos, we both love it. This trip we are hoping to see:- Bonellis Eagles, Booted Eagles, Griffin Vultures, Black Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Winged Stilts, maybe Ospreys and Red Kites, Giant Flamingoes, Eleanoras Falcons, Hopoes, plus loads of smaller birds, some of this list I got photos of in September, but should have a better chance this trip as its all birding not beach type holidaying 😄 not many places you can get an Osprey, Red Kite and a Giant Flamingoe in one photo, but I was very close to doing it last trip at S'Albufera. Yes its well worth the effort, great birding and wildlife in warm weather 😀

[@danwillis_photography]

@@chrismc2090 sounds just bliss, let me know how you get on and have a fantastic trip 👍🏻

[@phicha61]

Brilliant video, have been considering booking here for a while now. You’ve definitely made my mind up, will be booking soon. Love watching your videos, thanks ever so much for sharing.

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much, really appreciate your kind words. I can definitely recommend this hide it’s absolutely fantastic and Mick who runs it is a top bloke. All the best 👍🏻

[@zebeddy]

Heading there in about two weeks which I'm really excited about. Most photo places I go to, you've been already so your videos are so helpful to let me see what to expect and to get some pre-tips before I get there. Great video (as always) Dan....thank you :)

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Day, really appreciate it mate. Hope you have a fantastic trip, let me know how you get on 👍🏻

[@derekflynnsnr]

Another super video Dan, some fabulous shots of the Kestrels especially the one with the pair on the single post, if you’re ever over this side of the Irish Sea there are some great hides to visit

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Derek, Ireland is definitely on our list of places to visit so would appreciate your guidance when we make the trip 👍🏻

[@Seemples]

Nice work,lads

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much I appreciate it 👍🏻

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Another great video Dan, looked a fantastic place when I checked it out the other week when you said you were going and it doesn’t disappoint. Will defo keep focus on that post anyway when I go. 😂 off to Leeds wildlife hides in a couple of weeks to hopefully get the sparrowhawk so will definitely take on board what you said about keeping warm. Ian 😃

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Ian, please pass on my regards to Ian when you visit his hide. I’m looking to return there soon. All the very best 👍🏻

[@jeanlouis83]

Hello Pops and Dan, another good video and good images especially those of Pop, but I find the whole thing a bit overex, then I don't practice paying for it and all my images are made outside but it often leaves you frustrated to have missed something and to finish I hope you haven't been too impacted by storm ciaran, Have a nice day

[@danwillis_photography]

Thank you Jean Louis, hides are not for everyone. Pops and me enjoy getting out photographing as well as hides. All the best 👍🏻

[@davidsutton2432]

Another quality video Dan. A friend of mine has had kestrels breeding in hid barn in a nest box, and I’ve had the privilege to photo the young before they fledge. It’s a wonderful experience. Keep the good work going please. I’ve just fractured my right wrist so will be unable to do any photography for a while and your video’s will be a inspiration for me to get back out when able. Thanks to you both for sharing again

[@danwillis_photography]

Sorry to hear of your injury David, wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 Sounds like really did have a privilege spending time with a beautiful family of Kestrel’s. All the very best 👍🏻

[@justiceformenboys]

Great, stuff, thanks Dan. An alternative to Gigrin Farm in mid-Wales, maybe, and there are things I want to photograph in Yorkshire. Gigrin Farm being famous for red kites makes me wonder, do you think it's the explosion in red kite numbers that has resulted in a decline in kestrel numbers? I used to see kestrels all the time in the countryside (usually hovering above fields as I drove past) and now I rarely do.

[@danwillis_photography]

Yorkshire Photography hides is an absolutely fantastic day out and will give you some awesome opportunities to photograph kestrels. I personally don’t think it’s the increase in Red Kites that’s caused the decline in Kestrels I think it’s farming methods and a reduction in voles/mice etc as a result of this. I’m no expert though. All the very best 👍🏻

[@justiceformenboys]

@@danwillis_photography Thanks Dan.

[@tonyesposito9602]

I went a few weeks ago absolutely brilliant place will go again.

[@danwillis_photography]

It certainly is Tony 👍🏻

[@tonyesposito9602]

@@danwillis_photography By the way great video, and so pleased you made this because my friends were interested and wanted an explanation of the hide, now I just send them you're video 🤣🤣

[@danwillis_photography]

@@tonyesposito9602 thanks Tony I hope they enjoy it 👍🏻

[@Trish12303]

Great to see you guys out together. I burst out laughing when you said you got 475 images on auto. 😂 As always, beautiful images!!

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Patty, the 475 images certainly made Pops laugh out loud as well 😂😂😂 Thanks for your ongoing support it’s really appreciated 👍🏻

[@andrewrobinson5354]

Another great video - have you been to Leeds Wildlife Hides? If so how do they compare?

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Andrew, yes Pops and me spent a fantastic day at Leeds Wildlife Hide. Link below 👇🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWbXe6Sji6eMd8Usi=_Ojwdjxs3U8_4qPa Both are fantastic hides and produce very different shots so depends what you are looking for 👍🏻

[@simonbooker]

Hi Dan , great video , totally agree on auto capture 😂 nice delivery & May I ask about your video editing setup - been using iMovie on sons MacBook Pro but Z9 4K/8k 🤦🏼‍♂️ any guidance gratefully received. 👍🏻

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much Simon, really appreciate it. For video editing I use Adobe Premiere Pro on a MacBook Pro. It’s a fantastic if not expensive piece of software and once you get the hang of it, it’s really good 👍🏻

[@colpage4030]

Great video again Dan and Pops, I have a friend who has mobility problems with walking, how far ad how easy is it to get the hide from the car and do you think it would be possible… thanks

[@danwillis_photography]

Thanks very much for your comment. You literally park very close to the hide so I can’t see you having any trouble getting your friend into the hide 👍🏻

[@colpage4030]

@@danwillis_photography thankyou

[@Bird_in_camera]

Can't remember where I saw it, perhaps on the Facebook page for Micks setup, but basically Mick drives you there.

[@cliveingram9840]

Kingfisher hide is heated and has coffee making facilities! Give it a shot!

[@danwillis_photography]

Where is this please Clive, do you have a link at all 👍🏻

[@peterosborne9802]

If you're really interested in pro capture raw, check out the olympus om1 with the 150-400 lens. See if you can wangle one for a review. Love to know what you think.

[@danwillis_photography]

A friend of mine uses the OM system and really rates it, maybe I will check one out 👍🏻

[@peterpatterson7568]

Have not heard that song for years sing up

[@danwillis_photography]

Pops seems to have a song for every occasion 😂😂

[@geoffreypain5960]

Do you put the mice out over the course of the day.

[@danwillis_photography]

Yes, Mick leaves them with you so you are in total control of where you want the Kestrels to go 👍🏻

[@ClearVista]

Do you bait with live or dead mice?

[@danwillis_photography]

I would never use live bait

[@peakadventures_]

I'm caving in to go to a paid hide,I know it's cheating to a certain extent but the photo opportunity is something else

[@danwillis_photography]

Give it a try, you still have to get the shot which requires skill 👍🏻

[@peakadventures_]

@@danwillis_photography exactly and not always guaranteed to turn up either