I find local bird reports very useful for finding not only birds but locations that may well be off the beaten tracks. When I first started in birding I joined the Essex Ornithological Society got the previous years bird report and started going to places that were mentioned in it and it really helped me find loads I also could see where everyone went the most so I would then go to the places not so often visited giving me a greater chance of finding my own rarer birds.
Local Facebook wildlife photographers groups are always handy to catch seasonal creatures where ever you are; all that's left is weather timing then planning your hike approach to the area so the wind is in your face and the light is to your back for the best pictures the the 'hunt' is on. The wind really doesn't matter as much in some cases for smaller birds, but waterfowl if you're after BIF shots, then you have to factor this in.
Great show and info Espen , recently found your stuff enjoying it a lot as a new wildlife photographer .. stay well my friend and keep up the great work.
Lived in Carlisle before moving here to Greece and spent many times in that bookshop and when we get home next year will probably visit it again. Thanks, Russ.
@@EspenHelland In the Summer time it's not just not worth the effort as far to hot 30/40C at times best time I found Febuary/March with migratory birds arriving the best time, so far I managed Hoopoe, Bee Eaters, Corn Buntings, White Egrets and of course Deer as they are a protected species on the island. Russ.
Fred asks, why do it? I do it for the thrill of the search and the joy when you’re successful and to capture your very own image! So much fun no matter the weather. Great video Essen, love your passion & excitement when you take us on your journeys! I enjoy ebird here on Long Island, NY.
I've found nature centers and park offices in the area I'm visiting very helpful at times as some of them keep logs of sightings or the naturalist there have little known spots they sometimes suggest.
Hi Espen. First off, I came across a video of yours a few months ago and loved it so much I then had a look at some others and subscribed to your channel. Love your videos and the knowledge you pass on. Second thing, this is the first time I have commented on any videos as I didn't believe I had anything to add but, this time I might. So a couple of things. 1. I use a website called WaxwingEco tourism, link here. www.waxwingeco.com/index.php On the home page it has a birding search button. If you click on it it give two option. 1- Find a bird species, 2 - Find a birding Hotspot. I believe with the hotspot section you can put in places from all over the world and then it gives you flags to click on in that area and then after you click on the flags it gives you a list off birds sightings reported in that area in the last 30 days or you can change the settings down to the last 7 days. 2. I'm an Irish bloke but live in Perth, Western Australia now. So, for anyone that may be here and looking for books. Simon Nevill has 2 good ones. "Birds of Western Australia", also "Guide to the Wildlife of the Perth Region" a brilliant book. I use this one all the time. 3. I use Waxwing Eco Tourism and BirdLife Australia to find birding hotspots in an area. I then hit the area and see what I see. But, if I'm looking for a specific bird I also research its habitat, what it eats, and as much information as possible as I can get about it, mainly from Mr. Google. Then after finding an area where its know to be I use google maps to try narrow down exactly where to find the bird I'm after. An example would be a wee bird called Red-eared Firetail that I wanted to photography. I found an area that the birds was known the have been seen, then searched what it eats, which was grass seeds and always stays near creeks and small rivers. I used google maps to find the best spot in that rather large area to target for the bird. I saw 7 that day and bumped into a lady that had been going there for years and had only ever saw 2. So, to sum up yes, research, research, research. The more you do the better your chances of finding what you're after are. Sorry for the huge comment. Hopefully there's something in it to help someone. Peace and happy shooting to all. Cheers IrishDave.
Thanks for your thoughtful answer Dave! I'll have to check out the website. Definitely agree with looking into the details about the ecology and behaviour of the individual species, very useful in the field.
Some great tips! I use Google earth Too, great for finding certain habitats, plus I use local wildlife & bird society websites and always keep an eye on the "Latest sightings" sections in case something special is in the area. 👍
Great video, I'll need to pick up some of those books. One trick I've found useful is using Flickr and seeing if any of the photos have geotagged metadata, which can give some indication to where certain species have been photographed before.
Great video as always. Can you talk about what your goal with wildlife photography is? Every species is photographed better by someone else, so why do it? What makes it meaningful for you? Always inspiring to watch your stuff, keep it up:)
@@EspenHelland just got my books WOW so much information now planning trips and best of all found places close to me that I didn't know so thank you so much and keep up the great vids you keep inspiring me going out with my camera
Thanks! Don't know any identification book for Australia, but I recently picked up 'Birds in their habitat' by Ian Fraser. A lot of good stories and knowledge, not all from Australia, but covers a lot on Australian birds and their habitats.
Hi Espen I’m getting same lens as you and wondering what converter to get(1.4 or 2.0). and would like your opinion as you do photography? What is better?
Hi Espen, I follow you on this channel and the ability to leave comment is valuable. It also provides opportunity to put out a call to like minded people for advice on bird activity in specific areas. I use Flickr in the same way, messaging an area which I plan to visit and asking for birding advice. I Enjoy following your work, many thanks. John Nelson, New Zealand
Thank you John, I don't know why, but sometimes RUclips hides comments - only seen your message now through a third party app. I like the idea of using Flickr, I used it years ago maybe it's time to give it another try!
Very informative and helpful. Just a question regarding the map downloading for when you're out of signal. Has anyone tried the google maps download and comments on its accuracy if they have tried?
@@EspenHelland yes the regional manager check everything. However, the most common species in the region, normally, are easily accepted. With rarities, the manager send a email along for photos or ask specific questions in order to check if its true or not
The one that I really like and find useful is inaturalist.org Check it out. What I really like about this site is that you can search by species, it's quite detailed and it has active contributing community. Thanks for putting these awesome videos out there!
I find local bird reports very useful for finding not only birds but locations that may well be off the beaten tracks. When I first started in birding I joined the Essex Ornithological Society got the previous years bird report and started going to places that were mentioned in it and it really helped me find loads I also could see where everyone went the most so I would then go to the places not so often visited giving me a greater chance of finding my own rarer birds.
Great one George!
Local Facebook wildlife photographers groups are always handy to catch seasonal creatures where ever you are; all that's left is weather timing then planning your hike approach to the area so the wind is in your face and the light is to your back for the best pictures the the 'hunt' is on. The wind really doesn't matter as much in some cases for smaller birds, but waterfowl if you're after BIF shots, then you have to factor this in.
Twizted Zero yes good tips! Facebook groups can be great 🙂
Great show and info Espen , recently found your stuff enjoying it a lot as a new wildlife photographer .. stay well my friend and keep up the great work.
Lived in Carlisle before moving here to Greece and spent many times in that bookshop and when we get home next year will probably visit it again. Thanks, Russ.
Nice! What's Greece like for wildlife photography? I need to find more bookshops as good as that one!
@@EspenHelland In the Summer time it's not just not worth the effort as far to hot 30/40C at times best time I found Febuary/March with migratory birds arriving the best time, so far I managed Hoopoe, Bee Eaters, Corn Buntings, White Egrets and of course Deer as they are a protected species on the island. Russ.
Fred asks, why do it? I do it for the thrill of the search and the joy when you’re successful and to capture your very own image! So much fun no matter the weather. Great video Essen, love your passion & excitement when you take us on your journeys! I enjoy ebird here on Long Island, NY.
Thanks Carmen! Good answer :)
I've found nature centers and park offices in the area I'm visiting very helpful at times as some of them keep logs of sightings or the naturalist there have little known spots they sometimes suggest.
Rosanna Springston yes they can be great! Especially when something rarer comes around as well 🙂
Hi Espen.
First off, I came across a video of yours a few months ago and loved it so much I then had a look at some others and subscribed to your channel. Love your videos and the knowledge you pass on.
Second thing, this is the first time I have commented on any videos as I didn't believe I had anything to add but, this time I might. So a couple of things.
1. I use a website called WaxwingEco tourism, link here. www.waxwingeco.com/index.php On the home page it has a birding search button. If you click on it it give two option. 1- Find a bird species, 2 - Find a birding Hotspot. I believe with the hotspot section you can put in places from all over the world and then it gives you flags to click on in that area and then after you click on the flags it gives you a list off birds sightings reported in that area in the last 30 days or you can change the settings down to the last 7 days.
2. I'm an Irish bloke but live in Perth, Western Australia now. So, for anyone that may be here and looking for books.
Simon Nevill has 2 good ones. "Birds of Western Australia", also "Guide to the Wildlife of the Perth Region" a brilliant book. I use this one all the time.
3. I use Waxwing Eco Tourism and BirdLife Australia to find birding hotspots in an area. I then hit the area and see what I see. But, if I'm looking for a specific bird I also research its habitat, what it eats, and as much information as possible as I can get about it, mainly from Mr. Google. Then after finding an area where its know to be I use google maps to try narrow down exactly where to find the bird I'm after. An example would be a wee bird called Red-eared Firetail that I wanted to photography. I found an area that the birds was known the have been seen, then searched what it eats, which was grass seeds and always stays near creeks and small rivers. I used google maps to find the best spot in that rather large area to target for the bird. I saw 7 that day and bumped into a lady that had been going there for years and had only ever saw 2.
So, to sum up yes, research, research, research. The more you do the better your chances of finding what you're after are.
Sorry for the huge comment. Hopefully there's something in it to help someone.
Peace and happy shooting to all.
Cheers IrishDave.
Thanks for your thoughtful answer Dave! I'll have to check out the website. Definitely agree with looking into the details about the ecology and behaviour of the individual species, very useful in the field.
Hi Espen great insight of what you do first good ideas and how to research on your photography shoot before you go out 👍📷
Thanks Paul 🙂
Some great tips! I use Google earth Too, great for finding certain habitats, plus I use local wildlife & bird society websites and always keep an eye on the "Latest sightings" sections in case something special is in the area. 👍
Thanks John! Yes, local bird societies is a great resource 🙂
Great video, I'll need to pick up some of those books. One trick I've found useful is using Flickr and seeing if any of the photos have geotagged metadata, which can give some indication to where certain species have been photographed before.
Thanks Edwin! That's a good one, I'll have to check that out 🙂
Thanks for the info, Espen! I find that Ebird gives me sighting less than 24 hours old. A very valuable reference for me.
Cool! I'll have to get a bit more into it, I've only used it briefly so far.
Great video as always. Can you talk about what your goal with wildlife photography is? Every species is photographed better by someone else, so why do it? What makes it meaningful for you? Always inspiring to watch your stuff, keep it up:)
Thank you Fred 🙂 those are some good and deep questions! Really interesting. I'll try to compose my thoughts and give an answer in a video.
I'm in the mountains of NH ..animals are abound here,.. good video..
Nice! Thanks John 🙂
Hi Espen Great video, I will pick up some of those books from Ebay good ideas and how to research on your photography shoot before you go out
Thanks! Definitely worth a read 🙂
@@EspenHelland just got my books WOW so much information now planning trips and best of all found places close to me that I didn't know so thank you so much and keep up the great vids you keep inspiring me going out with my camera
lord strong brilliant! Great when you find new places close by 👌🏻
G'day Espen,
I know you live in the UK but could you recommend any books on birds in Australia? I love your videos keep up the good work!
Thanks! Don't know any identification book for Australia, but I recently picked up 'Birds in their habitat' by Ian Fraser. A lot of good stories and knowledge, not all from Australia, but covers a lot on Australian birds and their habitats.
@@EspenHelland Thanks a heap mate your knowledge and insight is greatly appreciated!
Hi Espen I’m getting same lens as you and wondering what converter to get(1.4 or 2.0). and would like your opinion as you do photography? What is better?
1.4x would still allow you too use the autofocus on most cameras I think. With 2x you're stuck with manual focus, not ideal for wildlife photography.
Espen Helland thank you Espen really appreciate your reply
Hi Espen, I follow you on this channel and the ability to leave comment is valuable. It also provides opportunity to put out a call to like minded people for advice on bird activity in specific areas. I use Flickr in the same way, messaging an area which I plan to visit and asking for birding advice. I Enjoy following your work, many thanks.
John Nelson, New Zealand
Thank you John, I don't know why, but sometimes RUclips hides comments - only seen your message now through a third party app. I like the idea of using Flickr, I used it years ago maybe it's time to give it another try!
Very informative and helpful. Just a question regarding the map downloading for when you're out of signal. Has anyone tried the google maps download and comments on its accuracy if they have tried?
Thanks! Never tried it, I do like a good OS map, but that could be a great substitute if it works. Especially when travelling to other countries.
ebird is a great app, everyone can introduce birds sightings but the sighnting need to be aproved by a regional bird expert
I suppose that makes sense for rarities, but everything?
@@EspenHelland yes the regional manager check everything. However, the most common species in the region, normally, are easily accepted. With rarities, the manager send a email along for photos or ask specific questions in order to check if its true or not
None at all. The fun is in exploring and discovering for myself :)
The one that I really like and find useful is inaturalist.org Check it out. What I really like about this site is that you can search by species, it's quite detailed and it has active contributing community. Thanks for putting these awesome videos out there!