Wiltshire Downs Raptor & Wildlife Hide Weekend Workshop

Join Gary down on the stunning Wiltshire Downs this Winter to photograph two of our most stunning Raptors, Buzzards and Kites. As feeding becomes ever more difficult in the winter months, Raptors are attracted to the hide to feed, and as Winter really bites and food is at a premium, fights for food often break out giving you a great opportunity for fantastic action images, also numerous opportunities for a whole array of portrait images of these stunning birds.

Food has been put out for the birds on a daily basis for several years now, and has attracted both Buzzards and Kites, but also many corvids such as Ravens.

The ‘Raptor Hide’ down in Wiltshire has had some major changes to it over the last couple of years, most significantly a brand-new location away from the public footpath. The original hide has been moved and also a brand-new hide next door to it.  The hide now has glass panes shipped in from Spain to shoot through. We all know how timid these birds are and especially during the first few moments after landing so with the new glass hide it will give the photographer much more flexibility in being able to take photos as the birds approach in flight and also as soon as they land. It will also be much better for swift camera movements during any fight that may break out between birds in the feeding area.

Almost certainly the best hides in the country for this species, it attracts multiple birds often feeding together and interacting as they do. It’s quite possible that a single session can produce flight, bathing, perched, fighting & feeding images. The hides also feature – heating, kitchen area, hot water, toilet and comfortable chairs.

PLUS…. NEW FOR 2024/2025 winter …. a new hide, close by to the Raptor hide, this has been constructed to the very high standard of the raptor hide, but this hide has a reflection pool in front of it, with the opportunity to photograph the Raptors around the pool, and with it being close by to the hedgerow lots of the little birds, plus the area has deer, Hares and other wildlife in the area, this promises to be an amazing hide.

Over the course of the weekend we will rotate, using the Raptor hide one day, and then the Reflection pool hide the following day.

It will be a 7.00am meeting to start the day, and we will go through until late afternoon when the light goes. Gary will be on hand all day with you in the hide, helping each person to get the best out of the day, advising on camera settings, composition, and everything else to send you home with the best possible images.

You will only require a tripod head, as plates or screws are provided to attach them to, or you can bring your own plate or beanbag.

To book a place simply complete the booking form below.