How to do birding in Woods.

[PeterB]

I am lucky enough to have a fantastic woods locally called Wendover Woods. It has all different types of woodland and tree species. I never seem to be that successful at birding in woods and I wonder if anyone has any tips on how to see what's there.

I have also come to the conclusion that all Treecreepers are fuzzy, I've probably taken about 50 pictures of them and all are blurred, like this one I took today. If I ever get a sharp picture of one I will assume the camera is faulty and get it checked out.



and talk about stating the bloomin' obvious.



yes, it's fallen, I deduced this for myself as it is lying horizontally and neither end is inserted into the ground. They should put signs on the vertical ones as they are un-fallen trees and much more dangerous.

[ijwilki]

Stupid elf and safety people!!

It must be to warn people who can't see wood for the trees!

Do you use auto or manual focus in this case Peter - I often focus manually in similar situations

[Dave H]

It's put there by the Elves for the "where there's blame-there's a claim" gang.
I'm not sure why it's not in several languages though, you must live in a strange part of the country.

[Cassillis]

Originally Posted by PeterB

I am lucky enough to have a fantastic woods locally called Wendover Woods. It has all different types of woodland and tree species. I never seem to be that successful at birding in woods and I wonder if anyone has any tips on how to see what's there.

Small world, me too...........

Watching this one with interest

[gavinm]

Good question Peter. I regularly draw a blank in woods. You'd think of all the places they'd be filled with birds but it's often so very quiet and often very difficult to see if you do hear anything.

[Dean Driving Instructor]

You are still a lucky devil for seeing the Treecreeper in the first place. The best advice I've had so far was from you - stay still and watch.... And train the children to be quiet....

[Winterkoning]

Originally Posted by ijwilki

Stupid elf and safety people!!

It must be to warn people who can't see wood for the trees!

Do you use auto or manual focus in this case Peter - I often focus manually in similar situations

I would agree with Ian try manual focusing.............secondly I find a fairly active bird area and sit or stand up to an hour or more....but they eventually will arrive and your also prepared by the coming s and goings to take the photo,s as they do arrive

[PeterB]

Yes, I use manual, but the little things are so dam quick.

So is there a sweet spot for woodland spotting? A clearing, a bushy edge?

Do you stop and stare or keep moving until you see movement?

When someone else comes along the path do you follow at a distance and see what they disturb or let them go well ahead?

All tips welcome!!

[munchycarrot]

I think part of the problem, for me at least... is the light in woods. Tree creepers and other 'woodland' birds are never sat in the brightest of place,s in my limited experience, so you would struggle to get anything sharp under the cover of trees etc.

I'd think finding a clearing & sitting, waiting & waiting some more would be the way forward. Of course, i could be totally wrong

[Little Sparrow]

I amble slowly through woodland and linger and also looking for suitable habitat for Tits, Nuthatch etc! Like any birdwatching looking ahead and patience is all that is needed..simple!