And, to be honest, the excitement among the photographers is not exaggerated.
Moving slowly and cautiously with a floating hide, one could get very close to birds and animals at the same time being able to choose the best site considering the direction of sunlight and the background. The low positioning of the camera toward the water surface allows for interesting compositions including reflections and all. Among the main advantages of shooting from a floating hide is the opportunity of being among wildlife without causing any disturbance…if we have the right behavior of course.
The typical species encountered during this special trip are: Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Pigmy Cormorant, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Ducks, Waders, Black and Whiskered terns and other birds living near the reed beds like wagtails, warblers, martins, waders… With more patience and luck some mammals such as Otter and Water Vole can also be photographed.
During our classic spring and summer „Birds and Wildlife workshops” you could also take advantage and try our floating hides. In this workshops the number of species will be more limited, but if this type photography is new for you – this workshops are recommended as a start.
The Sites
Several shallow wetlands along the Danube, Maritsa River and Black Sea Coast, as well several inland lakes are among our favorite sites. Some of these places (especially the wetlands along Danube) are characterized by significant dynamics of their water level and seasonal activity of their inhabitants. Therefore we carefully select the most suitable sites for implementing this workshop every spring.
Typical Itinerary
The quiet sunny mornings are most favoured, trying to be among the birds at dusk already. The duration of the stay on the hide depends on the preferences of the participants, the weather and the behavior of the birds and the animals.
Our hides are equipped with comfortable isolated boxes suited to safely store equipment, phones, clothes, food and other personal belongings. The front platform is also fitted with a convenient screw ( 3/8” -16) allowing for safe mounting of equipment such as a tripod head with attached long lens+camera.
Whenever strong wind appears (fortunately such days are rare in spring) it is not convenient to try the floating hide and we are seeking and offering opportunities of shooting off the water.
Notes
Avoiding the disturbance of waterfowl and other water inhabitants is our priority and no matter of your experience you will go through detailed instructions about safety and behavior in the water.
The floating hide offered is most successful during the period mid April till Mid May. The rest of the year we keep using floating hides but most often as additional to our classic trips.
You can use our chest waders. Having own neoprene clothes for hygienic reason is recommended.
This, as well as other details on equipment, logistics and prices will be additionally clarified.
This is a tailor-made trip with maximum of two participants.
If you are new in to Floating Hide Photography is recommended to try first the floating hides during our ‘’Birds and Wildlife’’ workshops.
