If there is something that all nature photographers agree is that the use of " hides "or" awaiting " (Or "chajurdos" as others say) is always necessary to have wild animals at a safe distance, without any suspicion by our presence. The claim that leads us to use these devices is the ability to work without being seen, so that the wildlife that we have across our telephoto behaviors and develop normal patterns. Not surprisingly, what we aim for the paparazzi of wildlife "(as we often called a partner) is to document the intimate moments of all kinds of animals, not strange behaviors that could show if they were aware of our presence.
hides can be used many different, well made by ourselves or purchased in the increasingly vibrant market that has been established for this purpose, but we must always be aware that we will introduce a foreign element of nature, and that the best suits the environment in which we place the lower will be its impact, which depend largely on the success or failure of our efforts.
When the place where we install our hide has abundant vegetation, always find a corner location ideal for discreet as possible, and with only a camouflage netting and a small twig (not to be passed by the clearings and employ more networks, and imagination ...) managed to integrate in the environment so that it passes unnoticed.
The problem arises when the environment is totally devoid of tree or shrub vegetation, and seasonal herbs is limited, ie when we are in a steppe zone. Nor should we despair, there are always alternatives: using fabrics with appropriate colors, take advantage of the topography of the environment whenever possible, particularly using the natural elements that are at our disposal. Macho
bustard with stone hide:
past, when there were no fences, and when the pastors spent the entire day awaiting their cattle, always exposed to the elements environmental surroundings devoid of any natural protection, were often small shelters built with stones in their heads of wind, rain and sun. In La Serena are common this type of construction, receiving the name "Torruco", found today in a state of complete disuse and neglect. However, the location of some of these poor buildings, and the fact that it is perfectly integrated into the environment is an asset with which we play in our attempt to approach the elusive fauna steppe. Not surprisingly, the birds come for generations to consider these sites as something that belongs to the natural landscape, arriving there some birds to build their nests. The problem is that if some simple walls, usually with an angle was sufficient for its intended purpose at all they are for us, and sometimes we only remains of the primitive structures in the form of a pile of stones in Therefore if we have a proper place we have to get down to work. The work is hard and we will certainly take several days (which will be developed in a time of year you do not produce discomfort), but if we strive, and especially if we are lucky to have the advice of one of the original builders, the result will be a hide which outwardly differ little from a lot of stones.
is true that "Torruco" not lavish by any place that might interest us, or that the rock piles that could also serve as a building material. But if the time was that the birds become accustomed to these elements, considering them as part of the landscape, they can also do this with other like wood, if we painted properly, and above all let it remain in place in sufficient time . Build a wooden hide is easier, and allows us to place it wherever we want, but its success will depend largely on the fixity of the same, ie they remain in place indefinitely. Great Bustard Group
around to hide the stone:
Avutardas Group near wooden hide:
bustard males:
hides These methods use fixed, although will have proved effective, it is obvious that there are adequate if we hurry, because the results they yield we look at medium and long term, months or even years after making constructive efforts. But if our intention is to get a good result, while ensuring the safety of birds and avoiding any trouble about it, are ideal.
For some time the association has assets ANSER hides a series of fixed initially used for observations of birds and conducting surveys and scientific studies, and allows its use by photographers in exchange for a donation that serves to provide a ANSER funds to carry out various conservation activities, and also offer aid to popietarios and / or tenants of the farms where these hides are located fixed, both for its maintenance and above all to show the direct cost that can reach to offer some species such as bustards, and thus involve them in conservation. This activity, after more than twelve years of operation, it is perfectly consolidated its interest lies in the fact that management is carried out by a conservation organization, running of the business model that prevails in the Nordic countries, Hungary and the USA, why is being imitated elsewhere both Extremadura and from other English regions and even other European countries.
activity, ANSER known as "Project Image and Nature", which has demonstrated a friendly with the birds and the environment, has as expected with appropriate approvals from the Directorate General of Natural Environment, and given the ANSER conservation association, are taken all steps to minimize any inconvenience. Thus, limiting the number of days of access to the hides of bustards, only one person is allowed to hide, there are very specific written instructions, and enter them always before dawn (when it is still dark) not allowing the output until the new queen of darkness full, after more than 15 hours inside to prevent birds from associating with photographers waiting for, or to the area where they are located. Macho
by the characteristic "Display" or wheel, to attract the attention of females:
The insistence pays off:
From the year 1998, when he took the first steps, I had the responsibility and luck (my family does not feel the same) to coordinate the conservation project, and during this time I gave advice to a number of different professional and amateur countries in obtaining images and footage of steppe birds. And of course I have enjoyed many photo sessions and observation of Bustards and other steppe birds.
Avutardas addition, there are different species of birds that are coming frequently to the Hides. Owl:
Wheatear:
Gang Group:
Macho of Sison:
Alcaraván:
The following links different photographers report some of the experiences in the hides, and show pictures (some even the interior). I know there are many others, but right now I have not at hand:
http://objetivoverdefotos.blogspot.com/search/label/Avutarda
http://chajurdo.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html
http://
atahorma.blogspot.com/2009/04/el-sison_16.html http://chanjaime.blogspot.com/2009/04/fotografiando-avutardas-ii.html
http://www.naturalfoto.es/images/ 1345/344 /
http://rafaruizfoto.blogspot.com/2009/04/historias-de-hide-en-la-serena-ii.html Http://www.ramonnavarro.net/naturaleza_view_image.php?i=13.jpg
http://www.fotonatura.org/galerias/fotos/275277/
http://www.fotonatura.org/galerias/ fotos/233236 /
http://www.miradanatural.es/fotousuario.php?id=22321&galeria=407
While I have the habit to spend the items in my blog, in this case I'll make an exception, and I dedicate this entry, with all my love, my wife and my children, who have so long deprived of my presence for years due to the necessities outlined above. Always chasing dreams! Going for you.
And one last thing: that you fancy, we are in FotoFIO where I shall much more information in a paper. Macho
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