In search of Cranes at RSPB Ham Wall

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15 күн бұрын

Join me on an exhilarating wildlife photography adventure at the breathtaking RSPB Ham Wall as I search for and photograph majestic Cranes using my Nikon Z9! 🌿📸
RSPB Ham Wall, located in the heart of the Avalon Marshes in Somerset, is a true gem for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This stunning wetland reserve is renowned for its diverse habitats, including reedbeds, open water, and woodland, which attract an incredible variety of wildlife. It's a particularly significant spot for spotting Cranes, which have been successfully reintroduced to the area.
In this video, we delve deep into the lush landscapes of Ham Wall. I’ll guide you through the picturesque trails, sharing glimpses of the rich biodiversity that calls this place home. We’ll encounter a range of birds and other wildlife, all while keeping our eyes peeled for the elegant Cranes.
With my Nikon Z9 camera in hand, I'll show you my process for capturing these magnificent birds. From the initial scouting to setting up the perfect shot, you'll get an inside look at the techniques and gear I use. I’ll also share tips on wildlife photography and how to make the most of your equipment in challenging outdoor conditions.
Experience the thrill of spotting Cranes, the serene beauty of Ham Wall, and the excitement of capturing stunning wildlife photographs. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, this adventure is sure to inspire you.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wildlife photography adventures and camera gear reviews! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with my latest videos.
If you enjoyed the video and want to show your appreciation, then why not visit the link below and consider buying me a coffee:
buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy
#WildlifePhotography #NikonZ9 #RSPBHamWall #Cranes #NatureLovers #PhotographyTips #Birdwatching #PhotographyAdventure #explorenature

Пікірлер: 72

@KWTImages 10 күн бұрын

Great blog, full of great information, and as usual amazing video/stills images....😊😊👊👍

@danwillis_photography 9 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Keith, always really appreciate your feedback mate 👍🏻

@richardchew1767 9 күн бұрын

Cracking video as always Dan, including your clear explanation of modes and settings. RSPB Ham Wall is one of my favourite locations in the UK, along with other sites on the Avalon Marshes, especially in spring or early summer. Mind you, the Starling murmuration in winter isn't bad either! Keep up the excellent work!

@danwillis_photography 6 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Richard I really appreciate it. I’ve heard a few people mention that the starling murmuration is quite the spectacle so I’m definitely planning a return visit to see that 👍🏻

@user-stupotts 12 күн бұрын

Great tips Dan. Enjoyed the video.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, I’m glad you found it useful 👍🏻

@sheila4254 7 күн бұрын

A good informative video, thank you.

@danwillis_photography 6 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Sheila ☺️

@user-cy4oe5ef9s 12 күн бұрын

Another superb video again Dan. Managed to see the Cranes earlier in the year and was fantastic to capture them. Two good sites to visit are RSPB Greylake and Catcott nature reserve, both on the Somerset levels and excellent for winter birds. Rob Arundell.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Rob, always a pleasure mate and thanks for the locations I will definitely check those out 👍🏻

@simonpendleton6005 13 күн бұрын

What a fabulous day out and the Bittern, pictures wow !!

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Simon. Really appreciate it 👍🏻

@nickclaytonphotography 10 күн бұрын

Super stuff as ever Dan, great footage of the pair of Bitterns together & always good when you get to see your chosen subject in this case the Cranes. Like yourself, up until this experience for you; I’ve only had glimpses of them from afar; or seen them in flight a long way up. Super stuff, the advice re ‘walk around’ settings & your chosen shooting mode is great too. Like you, & many others I shoot pretty much the same way as you do, & I have quite a few custom functions set up to make changes quickly should I need to. Switching from servo mode to one shot AF for a bird in flight that then perches is really useful & I have assigned that to an easy access button that I don’t need to take my eye away from the viewfinder to press. Someone else has already mentioned it, but there’s a dust spot/smear on your sensor or lens that showed up on some of your video footage towards the end of this vlog. My tip for you: Your camera still has the wrong badge on it 😂 All the best mate! Keep on keeping on. Nick

@danwillis_photography 9 күн бұрын

Thanks so much Nick, always very much appreciated. I have given the sensor a clean so hopefully cleared that issue up. As for the camera badge mate 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️😂 All the very best mate 👍🏻

@warrengilson1835 13 күн бұрын

Such a pleasure to travel with you Dan! Let us all know when BBC Springwatch tap you on the shoulder 😉

@michaelsaltsman7550 12 күн бұрын

Totally agree Dan is up there with the best of them his youtube chnl is awesome and should be 150k plus and hes such a great bloke too

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Cheers Mike, always a pleasure mate 👍🏻

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Warren. If you know anyone that works for the BBC, please pass on my details. All the best mate 👍🏻

@SkylarkFields 10 күн бұрын

Your videos go from strength to strength! I particularly enjoy the ones from Ham Wall! Well done getting the bittern and crane!

@danwillis_photography 9 күн бұрын

Thank you very much I really appreciate that. All the very best 👍🏻

@fraud1able 12 күн бұрын

Awesome video and a good understanding of the settings which a lot of beginners don't get the knowledge of ! For the weather forecast (which also we need), the best app I use is the one on the iPhone (And I believe the weather on the others is just as accurate).

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Glad you found the video useful. I’ll definitely check out that weather forecasting app, all the best 👍🏻

@peterosborne9802 12 күн бұрын

Good to hear how you take your shots , how about a video/explain about how you edit your work. Lightroom etc ? . It's always interesting knowing how others get there photography done.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Peter. I’m glad you found the video useful. I’ll definitely look into putting together a video on Lightroom in the future. All the best mate 👍🏻

@davidn8117 13 күн бұрын

Another great video, Dan. Try over the road from Ham Wall I.e Shapwick - they have a few hides there. It’s one of my local reserves and a few weeks ago was in the Mere Heath hide and the Hobbies were flying across about 30m in front of the hide regularly.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much David really appreciate it. I did try Shapwick over the road but only a fleeting visit and saw a couple of the hobbies but didn’t manage to get anything decent. Definitely something I will try again in the future. All the best 👍🏻

@ianwilsonwildlifephotography 12 күн бұрын

Great stuff again Dan as always. Always grateful to you for sharing your settings with us. Gives us something to experiment with at the side of our own. 😃👍

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Glad you found the video useful Ian always a pleasure mate thanks 👍🏻

@seanjonesphotos 13 күн бұрын

Really enjoyed this return to Ham Wall (for obvious reasons!) - cracking explantions on the exposure triangle too. Smashing! 🙌🏼

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Cheers, Sean really appreciate it mate. All the best 👍🏻

@user-rl5uk4cr2c 13 күн бұрын

Brilliant also brilliant information on your camera settings and the crane 👍🏻👍🏻

@danwillis_photography 13 күн бұрын

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻

@Jonathantuba 13 күн бұрын

Some great images. That is reserve I must visit. I shoot 95% of the time aperture priority with ISO minimum shutter speed, and auto ISO. The other 5% it will be full manual. I like using ISO minimum shutter speed, as the camera will then automatically increase shutter speed when ISO gets down to 100, rather than over exposing. My minimum shutter speed is usually 1/1000 for mammals, 1/2000 for larger birds or 1/4000 for small fast birds. I may occasionally risk going down to 1/500 if light is poor. Otherwise the camera will automatically slow shutter speed if ISO reaches 12,800 which I do find still fully usable with modern denoising software.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much for your comment, Jonathan. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on camera settings and modes. I’ve not used auto ISO with minimum shutter speed before, but it’s definitely something I will look into all the best 👍🏻

@johngunning2123 13 күн бұрын

Great shots of the Bittern in flight. That's not an easy bird to photograph. I had no idea there were Cranes in the wild in the UK. Good to see you knocking about in a t-shirt. Fingers crossed the weather stays like that. This time next week I'll be eating steak pudding, chips and mushy peas. 👍

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, John. I do hope the weather improved for when you get here. I’ve been out photographing owls this evening in a thick winter coat. All the best mate 👍🏻

@robj1366 13 күн бұрын

Another great video, excellent shots and clear explanations of your technique. Thank you 👍

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much I really appreciate it. 👍🏻

@ScottRitchie-bw9ls 12 күн бұрын

always enjoyable!

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Scott. All the best 👍🏻

@ChristineStephens-dj2vm 13 күн бұрын

Hi Dan I was at hamwall about a month ago lovely site saw plenty of bitterns very helpful with camera settings thanks for the help .Are you going to the bird fair would be great to meet you Clive

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Clive. I’m glad you found the camera settings information useful. I will be going to the Bird fair, be sure to come and say hello if you see me 👍🏻

@martinimbusch7465 13 күн бұрын

Hello Dan, sorry bit late putting your video up been away. Martin

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

No need for an apology, Martin. It’s always very much appreciated. All the best 👍🏻

@andrewmilne3031 13 күн бұрын

Cracking foties and video Dan. Your presenting skills and editing of your videos has really come on leaps and bounds since the early days. One tiny point, those were greater reedmace and not bulrushes that the kingfisher was perched on. A common mistake that lots of people make. Keep up the good work. ❤❤❤❤

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Andrew. I really appreciate the point on the greater Reedmace instead of bullrushes. Not something I’ve heard of before but will definitely refer to in future videos. All the very best 👍🏻

@andysavin5929 13 күн бұрын

Love those Bittern shots Dan, not been over to Ham Wall must give it a go. You should get yourself onto Exmoor..the reds are in velvet right now😉

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Andy I can definitely recommend Ham Wall, it’s a cracking reserve. Thanks for the tip about the reds on Exmoor next time. I’m in the area. I will definitely take a look 👍🏻

@johnhjic2 13 күн бұрын

Hello Dan, I am with you on people talking very loud in hides, I find school holiday (as you will know) can be the worst. I remember going to a small hide at Fountains Abbey, and one set of adult continually shouting at there(I think) children to be quiet, this making far more noice than the children, we end up just leaving, for a coffee and cake near by. Some great image once more. You are so right about modes especially in this mirrorless age. I shoot with the Z8 and Z9 they are amazing bits of kit but there are so many modes all of which have there place, but finding one to suite your own style can take time. You end up watching so many youtube video were photographers say one thing and other say something ells. I know you have to take the time to lean wat is best for your individual work flow. you know I do more writing comments now than I have ever written. But I do love your work.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, John. It sounds like you had a very similar experience in the hide. Finding the right Photography mode on your camera I think it’s all about finding a setting that you trust and works for you once you find it stick with it and tweak if necessary. Thanks very much for your comments. I always enjoy reading them all the best 👍🏻

@alanfearn1101 13 күн бұрын

Fabulous video Dan enjoyed it so much 😊

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Alan. Really appreciate it, all the best 👍🏻

@joncothranphotography9375 13 күн бұрын

Wonderful stuff Dan! I'm sure that you cleaned your sensor just after this adventure. I hate to get home to find out that I had that. Thanks for letting me tag along. Keep up the great work!

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

I saw that blemish on my sensor in the videos and gave my camera a good clean. I hope it’s now gone, thanks very much as always John 👍🏻

@michaelsaltsman7550 13 күн бұрын

another great video Dan and im glad you mentioned shooting modes so right in what u said completely agree

@danwillis_photography 13 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Mike, really appreciate your comment and continued support mate 👍🏻

@michaelsaltsman7550 12 күн бұрын

@@danwillis_photography Ive not even started yet lol

@tiptondronez 13 күн бұрын

Cracking video Dan 😊

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much 👍🏻

@jennysimpson9422 13 күн бұрын

There are so many wonderful places here on the Somerset Levels, other great reserves to visit are Greylake, Catcotrt Westhay. . I find the best opportunities are away from the reserves. I hear cranes from my village. During the winter when they come into roost I’ve seen as many as 72 fly in

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Jenny. I’ll definitely look into some of those locations you’ve shared. Would be absolutely amazing to see that many cranes coming into roost. All the very best 👍🏻

@craigmaisfield3247 13 күн бұрын

Another great video mate.

@danwillis_photography 11 күн бұрын

Thanks very much, Craig. Really appreciate it, mate 👍🏻

@Terrytheartist 13 күн бұрын

A great video as usual Dan, nice Sunday night viewing, don’t know if you noticed but your sensor or lens needs a clean, there’s a mark showing up particularly in the sky in flight shots 👍📷🦅

@danwillis_photography 13 күн бұрын

Thanks very much Terry, I had noticed the mark on my recent videos so will definitely need a sensor clean in the not too distant future 👍🏻

@Terrytheartist 13 күн бұрын

@@danwillis_photography by the way Dan your set up in manual with auto ISO and exposure compensation is exactly the same as the set I use for both wildlife and aviation, I also have my histogram set up in viewfinder to help avoid blowing highlights, an almost perfect set up 👍

@danwillis_photography 12 күн бұрын

@@Terrytheartist cheers Terry, I’m definitely going to experiment with the histogram in my viewfinder. That’s a great trip 👍🏻

@Terrytheartist 12 күн бұрын

@@danwillis_photography it’s a no brainer Dan, I’m a Canon user and you can have a small version that doesn’t interfere with the view and I’ve found it invaluable in judging how much I need to alter the exposure compensation to avoid under or over exposure, you’ve nothing to lose by trying it 👍📸🦅