Hides
For the November 2023 to March 2024 winter season, we have two hides available for photographing buzzards and red kites on the Marlborough Downs. The quality of these hides is outstanding and they offer the best opportunities available for close up photographs of buzzards and red kites, along with ravens and other corvids. Both are fronted with one-way viewing glass and are proving very popular.
This is a wonderful opportunity to study and photograph two of Britain's iconic birds of prey in a natural setting. You will see birds feeding, drinking and interacting at close quarters, possibly also fighting and bathing. A range of perches has been provided such as a sarsen stone gatepost and a fallen tree to give you a variety of creative settings. There are excellent opportunities for flight shots.
Hide information:
Heated, insulated and fully waterproofed hide with comfortable swivel chairs and flushable toilet in adjacent room
Full one-way viewing glass panels for smooth flexible shooting and panning to capture birds in flight and action shots without disturbing the birds
Lens suggestions for action pictures use 300/400mm & portrait 500/600mm
No need to bring tripods as plates and Gimbal heads are provided on site, however you may bring a bean bag or your own tripod head if required
A maximum of two people can book for each hide, or you may book exclusively for sole use
Hot drinks are available in the hide
Located just 15 minutes south of the M4, junctions 15 or 16
Meeting time roughly 75 minutes before sunrise
Hide arrangements will be emailed to you on booking
No payment or deposit required to reserve your booking
Cost: £175 per person (you may be sharing with another photographer). If you require exclusive use of the hide (for one or two people) the price is £350. This is for a full day from before sunrise until sunset.
To booking your hide session please use the form below. If possible, please suggest several alternative dates (in order of preference) so we can book you in. Once confirmed by return email, your date is booked and you pay the farmer once you have visited the hide. In the unlikely event that the birds do not show, there will be no charge.
