Photographing waterfowl and the Doghouse Blind

Hi all

 

I am from New Zealand, and a few months ago ordered an Ameristep Doghouse Blind

from a company in America. So far, it has saw very little use. Though I have

attempted photographing birds (birds are my photographic hobby) on a beach, I

found it hard to try and get eye-level shots (bar the fact that no birds came

anywhere near the blind) with the Doghouse. To do this I have to awkwardly

stick the lens under the rigid framing of the blind to photograph eye-level.

This doesn't really work. This is a far-off question, but can I ask you people

who have had experience with the Doghouse Blind or similar what and how you use

your blind to photograph birds?

 

And about the waterfowl. How could I use a blind to photograph this type of

bird at an estuary or lagoon? Also, any general tips on waterfowl photography

(e.g. eye lighting, composition...etc) are much appreciated. My diital camera

is a Fujifilm 10x (380mm) optical zoom, not an SLR, as I am still a beginner

photographer.

 

Thanks

Paul, I've got an Ameristep blind (think it's the outhouse model) but don't use it much either. Do you use a stool in the blind or do you stand up. Any reason you can't just cut a new hole at the height you want? It'll only hurt when you're cutting it, you'll probably recover when you use it. I don't use mine much due to the handling/hauling of the blind, tripod, stool, 500mm lens, and thermos of coffee.

Hi Paul, Many have great success with photographing waterfowl and wading birds from the Doghouse blind. Locating the blind is very important. It has to be in the right spot. Look to see where the birds go in early morning light and late afternoon light. Locate the blind so the sun is behind the blind and the blind is between the sun and the ducks. You need to be seated on a stool or in a chair, not standing up. You also need to be in the blind before the ducks arrive. Also setting up the blind a day or two in advance helps them get used to it. One nice thing about the Doghouse is ist low profile compared to the Outhouse model. It does not block the sun.

 

I am not familiar with you camera. Long lenses like 500mm do not pose a problem for ducks if moved slowly. However with these lenses, your face and hands are not visible. Wear muted clothing in the blind. And maybe a camo face mask if needed. You do not want the ducks to see any part of you if possible.

 

I use camo covers on my lens hood and lens to have it blend in.

 

If it is not possible to get in the blind before the ducks arrive, you will need a partner to help you. When you get in the blind, you will scare off the ducks. They will likely go to another place close by. Wait about 15 minutes. Have a friend then go to that place and glently scare them off and they might come right back to you.

 

Joe Smith

Paul,

You may want to look into a Jakehouse blind to lower your perspective on your subjects. I

have an Outhouse blind, also and I usually opt for a Jakehouse, which gets me closer to

the ground and is less confining. It has three panels up front and is open in the back. It

may not be the answer for every situation, but it I find it fits the bill for many scenarios.

Additionally, it is much smaller and easier to carry, stuffs into a pouch (after folding) and

fits on a belt. I also tend to wear full camo and a boonie hat for conceal from above and

behind, as the blind conceals only subjects in front of you. Jakehouse

blind.

 

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Hi all

 

Thanks to everybody for your input and advice. Don - not to sure about cutting the whole in the blind, nevertheless a good method to allow optimum eye-level photography. Thanks for your advice on the waterfowl photography Joesph, and Brian, I would rather wait until my photography has improved until I start purchasing additional blinds, but anyway thank you for the tip.

 

I am hoping to photograph a juvenile grebe which has turned up at a local estuary, fairly unusual for my area of New Zealand. Last time I struggled to produce sharp photographs due to rain, snow and cold winds! However, I hope to find a suitable place to erect the blind and take some proper photos.

 

Thanks again!

Hello Paul , I have benn hunting waterfowl most of My life and the cheapest and best way to shoot them with a gun or a camera is too get some chicken wire,about 8 feet by 4 feet and some shadow grass,as well as some tie staps . you can get shadow grass from most outfiter magazines. With the tie strapes tie the shaddow grass too the chicken wire, the shaddow grass comes in 4 foot rolls,Now you have a blind you can role up and take too the field or water way.now get a shadow grass hat and shirt , If cold a jacket ,no need too camoe your face just stay still when they are neer,and keep your eyes at the top of the grass level . Don't ware anything reflective or shinny !you can move ; just slowly, now get a five gallon bucket and a swivel padded seat , again from most outfitters, Now take 4, 4 foot stakes and role them up with the blind ,take some extra tie strapes too tie the blind to the stakes and a hammer and put in the buket, I use a back pack for My camera gear so My hands are free for the bucket.you whant too go where the water fowl feel safe wich is the water of course,and set up near there ,doo set the blind near water with the sun too your back and remember they always land in to the wind, remember that! if you choose to get some great cupped wing shots . You dont have too go crazzy with stuff to cover your camera , just keep it down in the blind untill shooting time , bring it up slow and stick it threw the top of the shaddow grass ,turn off you camera click or noise mode if digital ! and shoot away.It mite also be a good idea too lern how too call the waterfowl you choose too shoot , its not hard too learn the basick calls in a day or two , Then you have the option to bring them down as they would most likely fly past unless you no you are in there favorite spot ? And set up before dusk or early morning . don't worry they are out feeding in the fields and will be back after they eat before noon . If you call ,just a couple of decoys in a carry bag will intice them as well but not nessesary needed, nor the call if you are in there spot , if you use My Ideas for this blind set up you will like the way you can spin on the bucket in any direction and youse your knees too brace your camera , oh yes take some snacks and such with and put them in the bucket as well . I make bacon and eges in My boat blind and happy shooting , You will love this Idea. P.S. Make sure you have a polorizer on your lense.Gordon Holman