5 Winter days on an Island - Birds, blind and bummer Ep.1

Рет қаралды 90,463

3 жыл бұрын

I am spending 5 days on a protected island in Denmark trying to capture just one photo of badgers in snow. It shows to be quite a challenge! Behind the scenes about my experiences so far and tips for camera trapping. Open full description for more information.
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Ep.1:
• 5 Winter days on an Is...
For much more about camera trapping - gear, techniques and great photos:
Tom Mason's channel: / @tommasonphoto
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Location: Denmark
Date: February 2021
Day: -12°C (10,4°F)
Night: -18°C (0,4°F)
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For about a year or so I have been following a badger family on a protected island in Denmark. This is the second part of my mini series where I am trying to photograph the badgers in the snow.
The project overall is me together with a scientist trying to document the behaviour of these mammals when not affected by human activity. We then compare this with the behaviour of badgers in more populated woodlands.
The badgers are not hibernating in a way where they are lowering their body temperature and sleep through the entire winter. They are simply just less active and sometimes they will not leave the den for many days.
To capture these animals in mid winter is a challenge and my hopes are not too high. The best chance I have is to setup a trail camera and just cross my fingers.
In the behind the scenes section I am sharing my experiences so far and I am giving a short update on what is happening in the near future.
I hope you enjoy these moments and that you can use some of the tips in the behind the scenes section.
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A few questions:
1. Does the flash damage the eyes of the Badgers ?
This is something I am looking into at the moment, because I do not want to damage any wildlife.
If anyone has information about this I would be very interested.
2. How did it goes with the camera next the the photo blind?
I actually got a few photos of a deer getting very close to the blind. It seemed very curious. I will post one of the photos in my behind the scenes group on facebook:
/ 237097790297341
3. Will I go out again to photograph the bagers in the snow?
I wish I could, but all snow in Denmark is melted. It seems like spring is almost here.
Next week I am going back to photograph the badgers though. No snow but still amazing.
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Camera gear:
Nikon Z6 x 2
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4
Nikon 600mm f/4 VR FL
Tamron 150-600mm G2
Rode Videomic pro+
Rode Videomic NTG
Camera Trap:
www.camtraptions.com/
Photo Blind:
tragopan-shop.com/gb/hides/25...
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Music:
Gone by Galvin Luke
From Epidemic Sound - get 1 month for free by using my affiliate link:
bit.ly/ep-music
Underlaying music by Bensound.org
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See you out there.
All the best
Morten

Пікірлер: 273

@TomMasonPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

Morten! Firstly, fantastic video as always, looks like such an amazing location and project! Really kind of you to mention my channel, really appreciate it, so glad you've found a few of the videos helpful! So looking at your trap I've had similar problems in the past so I thought I'd offer a few thoughts! When working in the cold - even winter here in the UK, I almost always swap over from wireless to hard wired traps using cables - It just removes one of the easiest problems to solve and that's poor battery performance in cold weather. The camtraptions wireless triggers are great, but due to the smaller AAA batteries they die so fast in cold weather and so to cut the risk, grab a standard TTL cable and run it from your camera to the flash - easy with only the single flash as you wont need any modifications to allow for immediate waking etc. If using the camtraptions box, you'll need to cut a hole in it to run the cable out of, make sure you do it low down on the bottom in order to reduce weather ingress/issues. I'd agree in running the sensor -> camera via wire, again cutting any cold weather issues and keeping things simple - wires tend to break less than extra wireless transmitters. I'd grab some sort of housing for the flash to keep it a little warmer - your new SB-28 will run for a while, but the batteries when cold still wont work as well inside for the recharge performance, wrapping it up in an old camo waterproof material or housing it within some kind of plastic tube - spaghetti containers can work well and are cheap - will just help keep things out of the weather and help reduce the cold effect on the battery. I'm also hoping for some local badger photography here in the UK with a few sites I've been working on the last few months, I've lost two camera traps and had others out for months without much luck, but slowly things seem to be going to right direction, I'm looking forward to some longer days where I can use my Z6 outside without flash for some silent shooting, but right now flash is pretty essential with the daylight hours! Good Luck with everything and drop me a line whenever / with any questions you have, always happy to help! I'm off to check my traps! Cheers, Tom

@MortenHilmer 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your great advices Tom. I really appreciate that. I am definitely going to make some housing for my SB-28 and then I am also going to get a ttl cable for the flash. I think I will focus primarily on the daylight photos this spring since I can shoot completely silent. My big goal is to capture the badger cubs when they first come out from the den, but that will without doubt be in the night. Once again thank you tor taking your time to share your techniques with me and others. That is awesome. All the best Morten

@TomMasonPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

@@MortenHilmer Good Luck Morten, my most successful badger image came from cubs early in the spring, my camera trap positioned whilst I was away in Canada, but a good friend of mine checked and replaced the batteries for me, I managed a few hundred shots and one super little cub decided he would sit the perfect spot! The camera was out for 4 months in total, but worth it for the single image. It's addictive when you get into it. Certainly daylight stuff is great and I must experiment with more daylight/remote camera traps, I'll test a few out - look forward to seeing more form you! Cheers, Tom

@FashionToday123 3 жыл бұрын

*JAKARTA INDONESIA COMES TO WATCH* 👍👍❤️👍❤️

@JoeMustang99 3 жыл бұрын

Morten is more than a wildlife photographer. He is a story teller. So many skills all working together to produce another fantastic video story.

@firstfreonwarrior 3 жыл бұрын

In these troubled times, what a wonderful way to spend 26 mins, enjoying your content which you present in such a calm and relaxing fashion. Thank you!

@joshuahorner2639 3 жыл бұрын

Morten, your disappointment was palpable and yet I think many of us would still consider this a fantastic video. I’m just happy that you still want to share your process with all of us who cannot get out in nature nor will ever be able to convey the emotional component that Nature holds in our hearts. I loved the images of the Fieldfare, Redwing, Eurasian Woodcock and European Robin. Thank you for the outstanding work you do!

@longrider9551 3 жыл бұрын

The art of wildlife photography without regard for the fanboy bickering, beautiful 💖

@ryandury 3 жыл бұрын

What is this "fanboy bickering"?

@longrider9551 3 жыл бұрын

@@ryandury lol just folks arguing about which camera is better

@longrider9551 2 жыл бұрын

@@GeraintDafis lol

@Matherz9 3 жыл бұрын

Morten you are a massive inspiration to me and i learn something new about wildlife and wildlife photography with every video. You truly are the most relaxing and informative channel on youtube. Thank-you so much for putting time into making these videos and sharing your experiences in such magical ways. Stay safe and keep up the amazing work!

@publiedos 3 жыл бұрын

Humble human being, always heart touching see you out there... keep being the one you are and be safe. THANKS for another emotional adventure Morten..!!

@syedzohair 3 жыл бұрын

Time to enjoy 26:47 minutes of beauty and peace🌹

@walkingwounded3363 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see the reality of wildlife photography. It can so often feel like failure. So many times I get back from a trip and when asked what I've seen I'll say "just a few birds". It's easy to allow the disappointment of not getting that magic moment that you're looking for to ruin the whole experience. This video is a reminder that time spent in nature is never a failure.

@TimsWildlife 2 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@mikecrowley6485 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video as usual Morten, I don't think many people will ever want to turn off notifications for Your videos. I wish I had 2 bells so I can be double sure I won't miss any of your videos 😂😂😂. Great as usual 👍🏻

@iak706 3 жыл бұрын

"You maybe get 1 photo but see 10 photos you wish you could take" Very true. During our winters i almost only ever see tracks. This year there have been 2 wolves occasionally using the trail between my house and my wall tent 6 miles away. I put out a game camera to try to see them but the cold always kills the batteries first. I pulled the camera once during a period of -25f cold knowing the batteries would not work. Of course the wolves walked by and one of them even walked off the trail directly at where the camera was mounted on a tree. At least it is wonderful to know these animals are out there.

@antonoat 3 жыл бұрын

I've never seen a video which has such a high (positive) vote , 895/1 it's well deserved and proof your followers are true wildlife photography enthusiasts. Your honest, sincere attitude is the reason so many of us are fascinated and in awe of what you do! Stay safe my friend. Cheers. Perhaps they're just coffee lovers, lol.

@adelheidsnel5171 3 жыл бұрын

Bjorn and Schmiegel the 🐈‍⬛ 🐈 you gotta love this gentle man!

@leebaker2316 3 жыл бұрын

Love your videos and a great tip about tom mason

@TomMasonPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

I'll do my best to get more camera trap content out!

@junebug1553 6 ай бұрын

I'm a birder and I am loving these shots you got. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

@JohnFormstone 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the frustrating, yet rewarding world of camera trapping Morten. It is a method of wildlife photography that has at times given me the highest of highs with award winning images to the lowest of lows with having all my equipment stolen, but it is so addictive. I wish you better luck on your next attempt, I'm sure it wont be long before you start getting results (and getting addicted 😉 ) . Thanks for sharing, stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍

@findus605 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Morten, Neil Jernigan is an excellent camera trapper and shares all his knowledge openly on his channel. He has captured many beautiful images and always gives an in depth run through on his thinking in setting up for particular shots.

@bmuses6092 3 жыл бұрын

you are never annoying! Lovely photos as always. Stay well.

@martinjurica7773 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Morten I'm from the Czech Republic I'm your fan and you have a huge tribute from me for a beautiful video I feel like I'm there

@olivierhudon8829 3 жыл бұрын

Good job Morten Hilmer !!!

@CB-kn1ox 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Morten for sharing and giving us all a little glimpse into your beautiful country and wildlife world. I appreciate your new format for signing off as well at the Behind the Scenes segment. The three birds you saw are the Fieldfare,(speckled throat), The Eurasian Woodcock,( large bill), and the little European Robin, (orange spot on the throat). Sooo sweet! Thanks!

@skamat2 3 жыл бұрын

Morten, you are so humble and nice. May you have all the luck and all the great pics you ever wanted to shoot. Very big inspiration to me.

@zolabacsi 3 жыл бұрын

Morten, I understand your frustration of the missed badgers, but having filmed the Eurasian woodcock and in such a good quality, to me is a bigger hit! Having my own trials with both species, the badgers at least I could observe and photograph a few times, but the woodcock is so mysterious, I have seen very rarely and I was always late spotting it so by that time it spooked and escaped. I think having these dramas and kind of fails in your videos, brings them even closer and credible, while still also entertaining with the atmosphere and the aesthetics and the many species which were not on the to do list :-) thank you and greetings from Hungary

@RichardBirchett 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Morten and what a pain in the arse with the failed flash unit! Still camera traps are such an essential tool in the field and is a massive time saver! Still a great video and a fieldfare is such a beautiful bird 👍. All the best R

@4treKGaming 3 жыл бұрын

Morten,you are always my motivation and teacher. With arachnophobia is realy hard to stay in position. But you always give me power to push thru fear. Thank you.

@adammacsween3230 2 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video Morten. Thanks for showing the fact that you missed the shot and even someone with your talents is still learning. That in its self is inspiring. I also agree that @TomMason is an amazing photographer and gets some amazing shots with his camera trapping. Take care and thanks again.

@madhavsharma6643 3 жыл бұрын

5:22 why do have nostalgia feeling of the sam kind of situation as u were in when u were chasing the arctic fox in the ellesmere series ,,, love u morten always

@lukassinger_photo 3 жыл бұрын

@Madhav Sharma I think it was the arctic wolf, wasn´t it???

@nathantoury9264 2 жыл бұрын

Only 1 word: Relaxing

@oart2472 3 жыл бұрын

I also like outdoor shooting, you always create a good on-site atmosphere, thank you for sharing!

@channthachayatem3453 3 жыл бұрын

You’re always be patient and courageous to wait and shoot the birds. That’s awesome with YES YES YES!

@nuzrykhanz6555 3 жыл бұрын

For people like me who doesn’t have the opportunity, money and time.. watching your videos really gives calmness. Having just the passion for wildlife photography and can’t do anything what i wish to do is kind a hard feeling. Your videos makes me feel better. Keep doing what you do. 🙂

@Don19762 3 жыл бұрын

This is by far my favourite channel on youtube. It's absolutely fascinating and Morten is such a great story teller! Not only that....it is very inspirational to get out with own camera and finding animals. You are the best Morten!

@bro7269 3 жыл бұрын

Me: Won’t change lenses unless I’m in a class 100 clean room. Morten: Lays his 600mm lens in a snow drift.

@p.cowart7286 3 жыл бұрын

Morten did admit he's ruined some lenses in another video ... I do appreciate his adventurous handling of his equipment as well ;-)

@cliftonwhittaker260 2 жыл бұрын

Morten, I know you were disappointed about the badger shots, but you did get some excellent bird shots. That timber doodle was a real trophy find. I'm guessing that you would be out there even if you weren't doing photography. You are an outdoorsman.

@Grzybofil Жыл бұрын

I really don't have any problem with the fact that the expedition from this film did not result in the expected photos. I myself visit the forest once or twice a week throughout the year to film and photograph mushrooms and sometimes post an hour long video with no visible mushroom results. Thanks to you, I make sure that I am not the only one who sees sense and value in just showing nature. ;) Greetings from Poland!

@Wildlifevideopicture 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting Morten to follow you on your adventures out in the woods and fields, and movies and photography in the highest class!! //KD

@bryantharmon8531 3 жыл бұрын

Martin just want to let you know how much I enjoy your videos.I live in the United States in Utah and would love to go to Denmark That's where my roots are, my family is Danishes. I love the way you have such respect for the wild animals, and the places that you go,we all need to find that kind of respect for nature thanks for sharing.

@ivaace1445 3 жыл бұрын

These documentaries are just amazing

@clicks_by_mirza 3 жыл бұрын

Hope sustains. Wildlife photography requires patience ♥️.

@walkingwithouttalking 3 жыл бұрын

Man, that‘s bad luck! Anyway, a very nice video! Thank you for your effort.

@marcinkowalczyk6726 3 жыл бұрын

Great of all times- Mr M.Hillmer

@marcinkowalczyk6726 3 жыл бұрын

One "L" ofcourse

@Santos-oc2no 3 жыл бұрын

each time i see one of your new videos i'm excited and happy. i had my finger cross from episode 1 to you will lucky to take a photo of badgers in winter. looking to your videos i'm thinking to star having some photos o wild animals in my region, i usually look at them with binoculars. mainy birds. thank you very much for your videos. may be a beginers video could be interesting for people like me. i apreciate a lot your power, kindness and generosity. thanks Morten

@jameswallaceadamson3317 3 жыл бұрын

Hallo Morten, I have been watching all of your videos ( many times ). I realy like your attitude towards your work and nature. Mange tak.

@Deepakgargsharma 3 жыл бұрын

most Hardworking blogger & wildlife photographer 🔥🔥🖤🕉️🙏🙏😊😊😊

@oart2472 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, I am glad to see your new video again, and like your video of outdoor adventures!

@yvetteakau2081 3 жыл бұрын

Aloha, Morten! I love your channel. In fact, I think I am addicted to watching it. Lol. I just started nature/wildlife photography and have so much to learn. Currently, I am using 70-200 EF 2.8 Canon lens. This focal length limits me to getting up close shots (and sharpness); however, I've learned from watching your videos that there are ways to getting close without disturbing the animals. I find myself tucking away in bushes or behind trees and have been getting some special moments doing so. Thank you so much!

@dinoszoppos2433 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Morten,-I love your wildlife videos.I am addicted to them!

@javierheredia2607 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video Morten. Thanks for being the way you are

@Travelleramit 7 ай бұрын

Namaste from India 🇮🇳 Gr8 content You are an inspiration for us birding enthusiasts Keep up the good work 👌

@sheelpadia1609 3 ай бұрын

Watching your older videos in 2024 to get inspiration 😊 hope to see new video soon

@Alan-Zorro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video. I have done some camera trapping in the past and I can assure you that there is quite a lot of trial and error involved. It is always necessary to fully test out your gear before going on an important assignment. But sometimes, things just happen and it is beyond our control. I once had a monitor lizard taking down my tripod with its tail because I think it did not like the light coming from my flash gun. On another occasion, I had termites chewing up some of the cords used in the setup and making their home inside my camera box. But life goes on and we learn from our experiences and become better next time. I also have your Camtraption gear but have yet to fully test it out in the field due to the pandemic. Keep up the good work. I like your enthusiasm!

@dimitristsagdis7340 3 жыл бұрын

I like your confidence that the hide will be there in the spring for you to use :-)) I hope it is.

@amitrajitsarkar4385 3 жыл бұрын

Bro i just love your focus and style 😍🌟

@briansquibb999 3 жыл бұрын

Super video! Where did you get that seat pad? You are a good soul as demonstrated by your love and respect for nature and by your honest approach to sharing your adventures with us. You are, quite literally, the best on YT.

@tonyutting6508 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video and it is great to see that sometimes you have the same luck as I do when looking for that killer shot. I always look forward to your stories. Keep up the good work.

@klaustomasini 3 жыл бұрын

Hej Morten, you are an extraordinary story teller. Very good!

@heatherthompson911 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your adventures Morten. Wonderful video. Really liked the behind the scenes as well.

@PinfoldPhotographic 3 жыл бұрын

I love seeing the Fieldfares close to my garden 😊 The woodcock is a lovely bird also! I'm hoping to photograph a really interesting male pheasant, which has a predominantly white back and tail and its natural coloured body... Got my fingers crossed I can find it tomorrow! 🤞

@Rburg00 3 жыл бұрын

Missed photos or not, always look forward to your videos and never let down! ❄️

@richardlarsonphotographer5327 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Morten, I live in Winslow, Arizona USA You are such an inspiration!

@descubriendoycreando2004 3 жыл бұрын

Desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷 veo todos sus videos Morten. Qué trabajo! 😍😍😍😍 Saludos😍🇨🇷

@zenphotojourney 3 жыл бұрын

I was going to suggest setting up the camera trap in your yard to practice on small birds but you're one step ahead of me there. I've done that to get hummingbird photos and to help me learn the gear better. I do need to set it up again with the wireless triggers on the flashes though and test my setup. I don't yet have enough success with camera trapping to be an expert. I've gotten a few pictures with it. One instance I will wait to share until the animals have made their seasonal move out of the area because I don't want the locals here to bother them. I do enjoy Tom Mason's channel. He's very knowledgeable and willing to share. I don't know if you're active on Facebook but there are several groups there for trail camera and camera trap users. I've found lots of help in those groups.

@MichaelduS7 2 жыл бұрын

Wow Morten, -12 degrees that is pure dedication and commitment. Thank you for sharing your adventure

@AikoSukdolak 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Morten, I use the Camtraptions equipment for my camera trapping and it workes quiete well for me, even in the cold. I use the 6xAA-Battery extensions so the recivers last for weeks and there is no need for cables. Alternatevly you can also use d-cell extenders (but I dislike them because they need special chargers) or 2xAA extenders but they dont have a huge benefit for me. The batterys I use are Eneloop pro 2500 btw, in flashes and receivers - they are amazing. And I have build Flash housings, either from HT-Pipes or out of waterproof food boxes to protect the flashes from cold,moisture and physical dammage. Best regards and good luck the next time!

@cyndibee2289 3 жыл бұрын

Another wonderful video! Thanks!

@lifemileagesridhar5528 3 жыл бұрын

Morten...Failures makes you perfect. It shows what kind of a person you are to show something that did not work. It makes you a better teacher too. Looking forward to the spring video with you inside the hide. All the way from India!!

@CamillaI 3 жыл бұрын

Great work Morten never used camera traps but I can see it is essential in your world. Better luck next time 👍

@costiniucmircea 3 жыл бұрын

Very beautiful winter show

@tadeusz11000 3 жыл бұрын

There’s no gain without pain in this most challenging type of photography. More importantly, you have shown great character and commitment, with a positive spin on the lessons you have learned, so I look forward to your successes in the future with badgers and whatever wildlife you choose to photo.

@jeremiahyoung5931 3 жыл бұрын

This is beautiful. Thank you. You are absolutely right, I'm by no means a professional like yourself but I go out for long hikes all the time carrying my equipment expecting to get that spectacular photo of that hawk or coyote only to be disappointed. At the end of day i realize for me it's that relaxing experience of being in nature away from stresses of life and keeping happy is all that matters.

@debrabolton9372 2 жыл бұрын

Beautifully done.

@ninakrzyzanskinaturfotografie 3 жыл бұрын

You were recommended to me by KZfaq. In the first few moments of that video, I was completely with you! Sitting in a little tent, with hot coffee, enjoy nature and waiting for a good shot. Great video! Can't wait to see more!

@ivan_kubik 3 жыл бұрын

It's great to watch you work. Teaches you a lot. Hello from Russia!

@MM-zd6wf 3 жыл бұрын

Zdravstvuj 😀

@ivan_kubik 3 жыл бұрын

@@MM-zd6wf ахахаххах

@jroynorris2963 3 жыл бұрын

Nature Photography can be frustrating at times Morten. You did take some beautiful still images though. Great series as always.

@dsrphotographyy 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing video it soothes you

@jennyyipcy 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Morten, Thank you for your vlogs. You are one of the most generous photographers out there. All the best with your badgers, wildlife photography and projects. Always enjoy your contents 😊

@rinofalvo2854 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Morten! I felt your pain the moment you checked your photo. What I love about you is that you turn this into a learning opportunity. Not only does it help you, but it helps all of us. You will get your photo, I'm confident. Don't forget Ellsemere Island when you got your White Wolf shot after months away from home. You got this!

@picapica42 3 жыл бұрын

I've been watching your videos for many years now and they are as inspiring and educational as back then. The nice thing about snow is you can see all the tracks, the frustrating thing about snow is you can see all the tracks 😉 Looking forward to the next video!

@rogersteele9890 3 жыл бұрын

Great content and inspiration, shows all the hard work and dedication involved to get unique photos.

@Susu-zo9fd 3 жыл бұрын

I love your videos so much Morten ! they are so calm and inspiring... You know absolutly how to magnifying nature by filming details like flowers, spider web etc, all details that are just here around us, but we can't see them, maybe because we don't give importance to them. But they are so precious and beautiful. Thanks for your amazing work. Cheers from france

@davidcommon6710 3 жыл бұрын

Another beautiful piece of video and photography. Too many people find every which way possible to blame others for their own mistakes and shelve responsibility for their errors; one of the greatest things about this wonderful vlog is how you showcase your faults yet it is still full of beautiful images and moments! Admirable - the sign of a truly great person, not just a great wildlife photographer.

@annercentenoleguia7903 3 жыл бұрын

Vengo de un poco de todo y avisarte que vendran muchísimos mas porque admiramos realmente tu trabajo con la fotografía y te mereces mas apoyo en todo, eres grande y admirable de verdad, un saludo aquí vamos a formar una nueva y mejorada comunidad de subs para ti =)

@Rev.DavidJTowns 3 жыл бұрын

Ең жақсы KZfaq

5 Winter days on an Island - Birds, blind and bummer Ep.1

Пікірлер: 273