Nature/Bird Hides

[Pat]

Do you think we need more/some of these in Northmavine? I was watching a programme this morning Natures Calendar I think it was and they were in a hide in Ireland - wonderful pictures.

I know nothing about this so I would welcome comments.

Pat

[patioman]

I have been in quite a few in my travels, first of all they have to be very sturdy structures, particularly if exposed to winds, which Shetland is noted for

Being Sturdy also means expensive.

One of the main requirements of a successful hide is that the approach to them must be concealed from the area you wish them to look out over or else the birds will be disturbed and fly away.

I saw the programme on Friday when Chris Packham was looking at Bar-tailed Godwits only a few feet away, fantastic views of a bird that is normally a long way away from bird watchers.

If the problems of building them strong enough to withstand the elements and expense could be overcome they would be a tremendous addition to the facilities of Shetland.

I have by no means been everywhere on Shetland, wished that I had, the only hides I ever seen up there overlook Loch Funzie on Fetlar, Loch of Tingwall and Spiggie Loch.

If there are more perhaps someone could point out to me where they are, sometimes they can be a welcome relief from the elements.

[Pat]

It's a while since I touched on the subject of bird/nature hides. I took the photo of the bird hide below as a passenger in a car in North Ronaldsay (it's the structure on the right). I apologise for the lack of focus. The Tourism Plan highlighted the need for these in the area and judging by the number of keen birdwatchers in Shetland alone i think they could be an asset.



Can you suggest any sites?

[ingrid]

Weel I noticed a disabled access bird hide under one o yun huge wind turbines in orkney!! crazy!! I think if it works dare dan it'll work onywhar!! ;D ;D

[georgeg]

hi.ingrid..
yesterday I got outbid for a portable bird hide on e-bay...I did go over my limit, but decided to stop bidding.....

[ingrid]

georgeg said:

hi.ingrid..
yesterday I got outbid for a portable bird hide on e-bay...I did go over my limit, but decided to stop bidding.....

Just had a peerie look at dem on ebay...I think dey wid work good on a fine day...some o dem ir brally dear though right enough!

I definately think nature hides would be a good addition to Northmavine though...does onybody keen o ony good places fir nature spotting in Northmavine? Doesn't necessarily have to be birds, for example, the hides could be used for otter spotting as well. Any ideas?

[Admin Mal]

There's another thread 'Nature Hides' - northmavine.proboards86.com/index.cgi?board=wildlife&action=display&thread=1171821222&page=1 which I started after seeing the one near Skeld Marina.

There are some suggestions in that thread, including siting suggestions such as Gluss Voe, Greenbrae & Hillswick Ness.

Apologies - I started the thread, forgetting about the one that Pat started! There is no way to easily merge both threads, so I've locked the 'Nature Hides' one and changed the name of the current thread to 'Nature/Bird Hides'.

[ingrid]

Thanks Fiona, I didna notice the other thread! But I've looked at him noo!! Da hide at skeld looks like the perfect size, I'm sure we could have things like that in Northmavine.

I've been looking online on www.bird-hides.co.uk

There is some good examples there. In particular at

www.bird-hides.co.uk/products.htm

Does anybody have any more ideas of places for nature hides?

[Pat]

I think it would be good to have nature hides in different types of locations. For example:

• at the head of a voe for waders etc
  
• looking out over a bay for whales, gulls etc
  
• in the heathery hills for hares, bonxies
  

[ingrid]

pat said:

I think it would be good to have nature hides in different types of locations. For example:

• at the head of a voe for waders etc
  
• looking out over a bay for whales, gulls etc
  
• in the heathery hills for hares, bonxies
  

Yeah definately a good idea ta hiv dem in different habitats. One in each area o Northmavine wid maybe be a good number. I'm no sure about Ollaberry, Sullom, Hillswick or Eshaness but Sandvoe in North Roe wid maybe be a good place. It's fine and sheltered dare so da hide widna be exposed ta too many o da elements! I'll hiv ta double check dat though!

[allen]

I would welcome comments.

Maybe your hide locations should be considered along with footpaths - dir's nae point in haeing a hide nixt tae a car park or a draw-aff, fur a car is just a mobile hide.