SOMERSET LEVELS - RSPB Ham Wall

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  • Опубликовано: 22 янв 2025

Комментарии • 131

  • @gdreading9088
    @gdreading9088 8 месяцев назад +4

    Hi Dan, good vlog. We love RSPB Ham Wall it's a magical place at any time of the year. Thanks for sharing.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much, I’ll definitely be returning to the reserve in the not too distant future as I’m sure there’s lots more to discover 👍🏻

  • @robbrackimp
    @robbrackimp 8 месяцев назад +4

    Brilliant shots of the Bittern Dan, and a very entertaining video as always.

  • @debraoconnorphotography
    @debraoconnorphotography 8 месяцев назад +3

    Looks like a great place. Great vid / excellent images. Love that Bittern - perfect.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Debra, really appreciate the comment and support 👍🏻

  • @juliagarlick1434
    @juliagarlick1434 5 месяцев назад +2

    Found your channel for the first time this morning. Absolutely loved your video and photos. Thank you so much for taking me to Ham Well 😊

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Julia, I’m glad you enjoyed the video and hope to read messages from you in future videos.
      Take care and all the very best 😊

  • @blaze1148
    @blaze1148 5 месяцев назад +1

    Ham Wall is my yearly pilgrimage - love it ! 😊

  • @littlesue2633
    @littlesue2633 8 месяцев назад +2

    Great video! And so glad Pops is doing well. 🤗

  • @CamillaI
    @CamillaI 8 месяцев назад +2

    What a Bittern fly by that was amazing. Just the sort of luck you need . I would have gone home then but it is a great Reserve . Amazing great video 🙂

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much, it was an incredible experience to see it fly so close let alone photograph it. All the best 👍🏻

  • @simonpendleton6005
    @simonpendleton6005 8 месяцев назад +2

    What a great trip you've had down there, stunning pictures again

  • @johnhughes7062
    @johnhughes7062 8 месяцев назад +2

    Cracking images of the bittern Dan, pleased to heart your dads doing well

  • @johnflanagan44
    @johnflanagan44 8 месяцев назад +2

    What spectacular image of the bittern dan. Glad that pops is doing well can’t wait to see pops back on your channel

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Cheers John, always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. All the very best 👍🏻

  • @roaminginraymond
    @roaminginraymond 6 месяцев назад +2

    Just came across your channel by chance and really enjoyed the video. Relaxing to watch and beautiful photos of wonderful wildlife. Have subscribed and will definitely be watching again.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  6 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment and subscription.
      All the very best 👍🏻

  • @DaveSandell-w6r
    @DaveSandell-w6r 8 месяцев назад +3

    Brilliant video and photos of the bittern see brilliant starling sittings few years back 👍🏻👍🏻

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Dave I really appreciate it. I have heard that the starling murmurations are very good at this reserve 👍🏻

  • @johnhjic2
    @johnhjic2 8 месяцев назад +1

    Hello Dan, What a great place, super images.

  • @Terrytheartist
    @Terrytheartist 8 месяцев назад +3

    Wow a great video again Dan, some great photos of some of our countries finest birds! I totally agree about knowing your camera, I’ve stressed this to many people, almost every button and dial on my camera is customised to do a certain job and if it means practicing on the local pigeons or Sparrows then that’s what I do to make sure the muscle memory doesn’t let me down on those special never to be missed shots 👍📷🦅 cheers Terry

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Terry.
      I’m glad you agree with the importance of practicing and understanding your camera, it really does make such a difference.
      All the best mate 👍🏻

  • @handmadewildlifefilms
    @handmadewildlifefilms 8 месяцев назад +1

    I've spent many days at Ham Wall myself. A great spot. Those photos you took of the Bittern were awesome. Nice work 👍

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @MattyB1970
    @MattyB1970 5 месяцев назад +1

    Great spot. Thanks.

  • @derekclark4762
    @derekclark4762 8 месяцев назад +1

    Well that certainly gave us a terrific selection of birdlife Dan , I do love reedbed habitat, great Bittern capture, hard enough to get a glimpse let alone a photograph, I dipped out on a Red spotted blue throat this morning up the Northumberland coast, can't win them all , lovely video as usual, cheers Derek 👍

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Derek, I really appreciate it. Shame you didn't get the shot you were looking for but I guess if it was easy it wouldn't be as much fun (at least that's what I tell myself on days like that 😂). All the best 👍🏻

  • @andywilson3381
    @andywilson3381 8 месяцев назад +1

    Lovely Dan, cracking bittern shot 👍 one of my favourite reserves to go to!

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      I can fully understand why, a fantastic reserve. Cheers Andy and all the best 👍🏻

  • @markprice470
    @markprice470 8 месяцев назад +1

    Loving the videos Dan - great photos and love all the info 🙂 great inspiration!

  • @stephencooper8565
    @stephencooper8565 8 месяцев назад +1

    Outstanding bittern photos , cracking video 👏👏

  • @fraud1able
    @fraud1able 8 месяцев назад +1

    Another awesome video mate.

  • @joncothranphotography9375
    @joncothranphotography9375 8 месяцев назад +1

    That's a wonderful looking place for photography. Thanks so much for bringing us along! Thanks for the update on Pops. You guys are great! Say hello to your "camera Lady" for me. It must be great to have such a relationship!

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Jon always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. My wife says hi 👍🏻

  • @user-stupotts
    @user-stupotts 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great day Dan.

  • @RobertArundell-u3r
    @RobertArundell-u3r 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video again Dan. My favourite reserve to visit. Glad you got some superb shots of the Bittern and it was nice to meet you. Rob Arundell.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      The pleasure was all mine Rob, thank you for taking the time to stop and chat to me I really appreciated it 👍🏻

  • @rikarthur8969
    @rikarthur8969 8 месяцев назад

    Dan, how is it possible to be sitting in the Extremadura surrounded by nightingales and bee-eaters, vultures and eagles only to be anticipating the first opportunity to get back and down to Ham Wall?
    Lovely video, great shots of the bittern and especially that post-dive grebe. Keep’ em coming…

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much mate, that’s probably one of the best compliments I’ve ever had. Really appreciate it 👍🏻

  • @runwiththerunners8152
    @runwiththerunners8152 5 месяцев назад +1

    Great video thanks Dan! Hope pops is OK, we missed him.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much, Pops is doing great thanks for asking and stars in my most recent video 😁

  • @kevinwheeler4756
    @kevinwheeler4756 8 месяцев назад +2

    Somerset levels are a great place
    It takes week to explore them to the full
    So many places to visit down there

    • @jon_green_photography
      @jon_green_photography 8 месяцев назад +2

      Totally agree. I often struggle to decide which place to visit...westhay, shapwick, grey lake all excellent!

    • @kevinwheeler4756
      @kevinwheeler4756 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@jon_green_photography you are scratching the surface with those three
      Everybody goes to ham wall because it is RSPB but there is so much more in the area if you are prepared to explore

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Kevin I really appreciate it 👍🏻

  • @phillipalmond4357
    @phillipalmond4357 8 месяцев назад +1

    Absolutely a brilliant place, just wish I had more time there to photograph the wildlife there. 🙂👍

  • @johngunning2123
    @johngunning2123 8 месяцев назад +1

    Another great spot and stunning photographs of a Bittern. I've never heard the call of a Bittern which was really unusual.👍

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much John I really appreciate it. It really is a very unique call isn't it 👍🏻

  • @nigelfairclough4598
    @nigelfairclough4598 8 месяцев назад +2

    Great to hear that Pops is doing well. How is your Z9 doing?? Any news on when its coming back?? Or have you got it back already??

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Nigel. I got my Z9 back as soon as I returned from my trip to Bristol. The guys at A J Johnstone in Glasgow have done a first class job for me 👍🏻

  • @andrewmilne3031
    @andrewmilne3031 8 месяцев назад +1

    Cracking foties of the Bitterne Dan. I think you should have bigged up the one of the great white egret too❤

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very Andrew, I appreciate you saying that. The Great White Egret is a stunning bird to photograph so glad you appreciated it 👍🏻

  • @michelbialek7567
    @michelbialek7567 8 месяцев назад +1

    Très belle vidéo et superbes photos, chez moi le busard des marais et des roseaux a disparu .
    Salutations et bon rétablissement à votre Papa
    Amicalement
    Michel

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Merci beaucoup, j'apprécie vraiment. Je suis attristé d'apprendre que les marais et les busards des marais ont disparu dans votre région.
      Prenez soin de vous et bonne chance 👍🏻

  • @philparker97
    @philparker97 8 месяцев назад +1

    Of course the Bittern was excellent, but there was something about the Rook and the Lapwing that made it stand out from others! Great video as usual.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Phil, I have to say I enjoyed the Rook and Lapwing shot so thanks for saying that 👍🏻

  • @debbiesmith2332
    @debbiesmith2332 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video, Dan and brilliant photos - especially loved the bittern in flight. Hope I take some bittern shots as good as yours one day. Glad to hear Pops is doing well. Look forward to seeing him with you in a video very soon.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Debbie I really appreciate it. I am certain you will get the shots you are looking for if you keep visiting the right locations. It has taken me a long time to see Bitterns, let alone photograph them 👍🏻

  • @michaelphibes8386
    @michaelphibes8386 8 месяцев назад +1

    Outstanding Bittern photos Dan.

  • @marvinetchiadventure_vlog2409
    @marvinetchiadventure_vlog2409 8 месяцев назад +1

    Bravo 🎈🎊🍾🎉 c’est vraiment magnifique 🤩

  • @adelacour
    @adelacour 8 месяцев назад +1

    Ham Wall, is definitely on my Itinerary for my next UK trip. Thanks Dan great video and some lovely shots, especially the Bittern.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it and can thoroughly recommend RSPB Ham Wall 👍🏻

  • @ianwilsonwildlifephotography
    @ianwilsonwildlifephotography 8 месяцев назад +1

    Fantastic Dan, been to Ham Wall a few times, truly fantastic place. Not been as lucky with the bitterns though, those images you took of it are just stunning! Ian 👍

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Ian I really appreciate it. Lucky day for the Bittern to fly so close 👍🏻

  • @geraldgill2416
    @geraldgill2416 8 месяцев назад +1

    Excellent video Dan, R.S.P.B. Ham Wall is my second home it's a wonderful place, had you walked a little further I'm sure you would have seen the *Cranes* Meg and her partner she is a very beautiful 6ft tall lady.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Gerald, we would have definitely ventured further however we had our little French bulldog with us that day and so were limited where we could visit. Would love a reserve like this to be my second home, all the best 👍🏻

  • @smiffy5467
    @smiffy5467 8 месяцев назад +1

    My favourite reserve, seen so much there from grass snake, otter all the birds and the dragonfly roosts are fantastic…. You need a bug detergent though… Nice one Dan… 👍🇬🇧

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Smiffy I really appreciate it. It certainly is a place I will be returning to 👍🏻

  • @ianwarren7815
    @ianwarren7815 8 месяцев назад +1

    Awesome DAN

  • @robchace7445
    @robchace7445 8 месяцев назад +1

    Welcome to the levels Dan....

  • @derekflynnsnr
    @derekflynnsnr 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video Dan, love the bloopers 😂

  • @garywebster8355
    @garywebster8355 8 месяцев назад +1

    Fantastic bitten shots.

  • @jennysimpson9422
    @jennysimpson9422 8 месяцев назад +1

    Nice to see you in my part of the world. Ham Wall is just one of many excellent areas on the Somerset Levels for wild life photography I regularly see Barn Owls and cranes. I have seen as many as 70!during the winter months fly into another one of our RSPB reserves. Great vidoe

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Jenny I really appreciate it. You are very lucky to have such wonderful reserves on your doorstep 👍🏻

  • @jon_green_photography
    @jon_green_photography 8 месяцев назад +1

    Awesome video Dan. A place also local to me so I enjoyed this one ☺️. So much so you inspired me to spend the morning there yesterday with my family. Probably the best day I've had there in fact. First time I've seen the glossy Ibis and loads of marsh harriers about flying quite close! Alas no bittern this time. Your picture was incredible. I photographed one there last year but the heat haze ruined the shot🤦🏼‍♂️

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks so much Jon and I am really pleased that you had a fantastic time there with your family and the video inspired you to visit.
      I have had heat haze destroy images in the past, it really is a nightmare.
      All the very best 👍🏻

  • @Jazzshots
    @Jazzshots 6 месяцев назад +1

    Great video... I'm also intrigued, what are you always carrying in you left hand?

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  6 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much. Great question, it’s the protective case for my DJI pocket 3 which I use for vlogging. You are not the first person to ask this 👍🏻

  • @richardcotton4267
    @richardcotton4267 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video Dan once again. So pleased you got your lens back. Much better than a mobile. How do I get you a coffee😁

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Richard I really appreciate it. Thanks for considering a coffee, please click on the link below:
      buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy
      Thanks and all the very best 👍🏻

  • @FrankH-sz1ln
    @FrankH-sz1ln 8 месяцев назад +1

    Another superb video Dan. That first Bittern shot is top drawer. I remember the first time I heard a Bittern at Leighton Moss, sounded like someone circling the top of a wine glass, although I had no clue until I saw some info there and it mentioned the Bittern call. Appreciate your time and tips.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks very much Frank I really appreciate it. I enjoyed reading your experience of Bitterns at Leighton Moss, they really are the most unusual sound to hear 👍🏻

  • @jeanlouis83
    @jeanlouis83 8 месяцев назад +1

    hello Dan, how's Pops? a very good videos with a head the bittern, Bravo

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Thank you very much Jean Louis, Pops is doing great. His surgery was a success and he is well on the way to a full recovery ❤️‍🩹

  • @oneoldgit
    @oneoldgit 8 месяцев назад +1

    Got grass snake photos under the first bridge you crossed

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      We had been told about the possibilities of grass snakes and they had been seen earlier that day but not when we were there unfortunately.

  • @philipwatson2443
    @philipwatson2443 8 месяцев назад +1

    my local patch, I was wondering when you would make it down to my neck of the woods, surprised no footage from the tower hide or the hides down the track opposite the first viewing platform. Glad to hear Pops is on the mend

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      What a wonderful part of the country you live in Phillip, stunning. We would have definitely ventured further into the reserve but we had our little French bulldog with us which limited which parts of the reserve we could access. Definitely a reason to return. All the best 👍🏻

  • @Bird_in_camera
    @Bird_in_camera 8 месяцев назад +1

    What was happening around 3 minutes?, i kept going into my kitchen to see what my dogs were doing - but they were asleep, came back to the TV and - again, what's going off. Great video again, nice to see your Nature reserve videos as it gives good ideas for trips. I like Magnums too - one day last year, visited RSPB coombes valley on a really hot day and i had THREE........................definately a Chris Packham thigh rubbing moments

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      I think you are referring to the dog making noises in the background at 3 minutes 😂
      Thanks very much mate, it certainly was a Chris Packham thigh rubbing experience!
      3 magnums in one sitting 😱😱😱 that’s quite the feat 👍🏻

    • @Bird_in_camera
      @Bird_in_camera 8 месяцев назад

      @@danwillis_photography no, 3 throughout the day.

  • @garystone6583
    @garystone6583 8 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Dan, new to your channel.
    Have enjoyed this video, as my in-laws lived in Somerton not far away. Have visited Ham Wall in the past. Will hopefully go back again after watching you there

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Gary and welcome to the channel, I really appreciate it 👍🏻

  • @SwanSycorax
    @SwanSycorax 8 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks Dan, great video. I had not heard of this reserve before. With a really early start this is in range for me so going on my "To Do" list.

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Brian I really appreciate it. Well worth the early get up, it's a fantastic reserve 👍🏻

    • @SwanSycorax
      @SwanSycorax 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@danwillis_photography I plan to try to get there in early June. Can't get there any earlier as about to head off to Budapest and a cruise on the Danube for two weeks taking in the Danube Delta. Hoping for many photo opportunities!!!

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      @@SwanSycorax sounds absolutely amazing, have a wonderful trip mate 👍🏻

  • @doubles6508
    @doubles6508 8 месяцев назад +1

    Saw marsh harriers at Martin mere last week, stunning birds. Sadly didn't see the bitterns.

  • @andywhiteside16
    @andywhiteside16 8 месяцев назад

    Fantastic shots Dan. hope pops is doing well

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Andy I really appreciate it. Pops is doing great, thanks for asking 👍🏻

  • @andyc7664
    @andyc7664 8 месяцев назад

    Morning dan it’s andy after your help and advice we settled in Nikon d5300 with a 500 shutter count and a sigma 170 500 app manual lens
    I was wondering if you would share your manual setting for puffins at bempton clifs iso frame rate shutter etc etc
    Kind regards
    Andy

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Evening Andy. I’m more than happy to give you some settings but they will be based settings and I suggest that you experiment around the base settings to give you the style of shot you are looking for.
      I shoot in manual with auto ISO, this allows me to concentrate on two sides of the exposure triangle and the camera takes care of the third.
      For perched shots of the puffin I would have a shutter speed of around 1/800 of a second, this can go slower if the lights not good and faster if it’s bright sunshine. I would have the aperture set to its widest aperture (on my lens that would be f2.8).
      For flight shots the shutter speed needs to be above 1/2000 of a second and I would have again wide aperture.
      The final piece of the puzzle is exposure compensation which I think is essential for photographing black and white animals. If the whites of the puffin are being blown due to bright sunlight then under expose the image and recover the blacks in post processing.
      Hope that helps mate 👍🏻

  • @jglover4444
    @jglover4444 8 месяцев назад +1

    Come on Dan...get a grip man ..West Ham...West Ham !! What’s happening?...anyway I’m off to visit Leighton Orient at the weekend....God it’s catching, I mean Moss!!

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      😂😂😂 your comment had me in stitches mate, thanks very much John really appreciate it 👍🏻

  • @blisteringbooks2428
    @blisteringbooks2428 8 месяцев назад

    I thought the sun needed to be out for a golden hour, it isn't golden if you cannot see it!

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад

      Fair point, I thought that I did say we were approaching golden hour and not actually in it.

  • @johannmorrison1952
    @johannmorrison1952 8 месяцев назад +1

    Great video Dan, it's given me two things: a hunger for Ham Wall and a hunger for a classic magnum. Thanks for the follow on Insta, by the way.👍

    • @danwillis_photography
      @danwillis_photography  8 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks very much Johann, you can't beat a classic magnum 😂 My pleasure for the follow on insta mate 👍🏻

  • @DavidPoole-go5fo
    @DavidPoole-go5fo 8 месяцев назад +1

    Bittern, fabulous images Dan.