How to Photograph Pied Flycatchers
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- Опубликовано: 25 май 2024
- Join us on a delightful adventure as we venture into the enchanting Padley Gorge in the heart of the Peak District! In this video, I’m joined by the one and only ‘Pops’ as we set out to capture a photograph of the elusive Pied Flycatcher.
Our journey begins with a scenic drive through the rolling hills and charming villages of the Peak District, setting the perfect tone for a day of exploration and discovery. Upon arriving at Padley Gorge, we are immediately greeted by the serene beauty of its ancient woodlands, babbling brooks, and lush greenery.
With our camera gear in tow and spirits high, Pops and I trek through the picturesque trails, sharing stories and laughter along the way. Pops, with his endless wisdom and infectious enthusiasm, keeps us entertained as we scan the trees and listen for the melodious calls of the pied flycatcher.
Throughout the video, we share some of our favorite wildlife photography tips and techniques, making this a must-watch for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. From finding the perfect lighting to patiently waiting for that magical moment, we delve into what it takes to photograph such a fleeting and beautiful bird.
But this adventure is about more than just photography. It’s about spending quality time with my father, appreciating the wonders of nature, and embracing the unexpected joys that come with it. Whether it’s Pops’ hilarious commentary or a surprise encounter with other woodland creatures, every moment is filled with light-hearted fun and genuine connection.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and enjoy this heartwarming journey with us. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more adventures and photography tips! And if you’ve ever been to Padley Gorge or have your own stories of wildlife photography, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Thank you for watching! Your support means the world to us. If you would like to show your appreciation then consider buying us a coffee at the link below 🌿📸🕊️
buymeacoffee.com/dwphotgraphy
*Special Thanks:*
A huge thank you to Pops for making this trip unforgettable! Here’s to many more adventures together.
Great to see Pops back out with the camera and you both enjoying photographing wildlife, drinking coffee and hankering after a bag of chips....
Thank you
Thanks very much I really appreciate it mate. I was definitely hankering after those chips they smelt incredible 👍🏻
Great to see Pops back behind the camera! I just love the relationship you have, special times capturing amazing wildlife with your dad! Doesn’t get much better pal 👍🏻
Many thanks for your kind words.
Thanks very much Mike I genuinely cherish every second I get out with Pops mate and have missed his company when photographing whilst he has been recovering from his surgery.
Absolutely loving the podcast btw 👍🏻
Good to see Pops back in action and great to hear they were able to fix another potential problem at the same time. I don't think I've ever seen a Pied Flycatcher.👍
Many thanks for your kind words, it was great to be out again with Daniel.
Thanks very much John I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Fantastic, I'm also so pleased to see pops back up an running. Onwards an upwards now. Sharon Dale. Xx
Many thanks for your kind words
Thanks very much Sharon, I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻
Great to see you back pops I was out of breath just watching you walking up that hill glad you got to see the flycatcher before the heavens opened I’ve never seen one either 👍
Many thanks, although I've been walking every day from three days after my op that was one hell of a hill especially carrying all my camera gear (to be fair Daniel did offer to carry it).
Thanks very much Brian, I really appreciate it 👍🏻
So glad to see Pops back in action! So happy that he’s doing better and on the road to recovery. All the best from New York!
Many thanks for your kind words.
New York! It’s awesome to read comments from people in other countries, it blows my mind that the videos are watched by people so far away. Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment and support 👍🏻
Nice to see pops back and ok.Lovely video of the Pied Flycatcher Dan.
Thank you
Thanks very much Mark 👍🏻
Welcome back to Pops. Glad he is well and surgery was successful.
Many thanks
Thanks James 👍🏻
Padley gorge is stunning ,even in the rain.Tough walk up from the cafe...well done pops 👍Great video Dan,thanks👍
Thank you
Thanks very much Rachael, really appreciate it ☺️
Great video Dan and yes they are stunning birds. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC to see pops back and looking really well. 👍
Many thanks for your kind words
Cheers Ian, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great to see Pops back and looking so well. Loved the video and the birds
Thanks very much Mark, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Thank you
Lovely to see pops looking so well and enjoying his photography again Dan , great video too 📸👌
Thank you
Thanks very much Trev I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great to see pops again. Birds are the most difficult natural history subject. Well done for those you got.
Thank you
Thanks very much Nigel, I really appreciate it 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography hi, do you go to Birdfair?
@@nigelroberson8911 I’ve not been before but I’d like to, is it worth visiting?
@@danwillis_photography I went last year for first time and was very surprised at what and who is there. Global birdfair website has all the info.
Great to see pops back on form.
Many thanks.
Thanks very much Steve I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Hi Dan
Very nice to see pops back out doing what he loves best, he looks really well. I enjoyed the video
Thanks very much John I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Many thanks
Nice to see pops back, so pleased he is alright, I was there last year walked along the river and managed to get some shots of the dipper and the yellow wagtail, the fly catcher looks beautiful, thank you once again.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Joao I really appreciate it mate. Sounds like you had a great trip 👍🏻
Glad to see Pops back out with you.
Thanks very much Todd, it’s great to be back out with him 😊
Many thanks for your kind words
@@stuartwillis you are quite welcome sir. Been praying for you. It’s good to see a father and son enjoying time together. Never had that
Great to see pops again. It was fantastic to hear his heartfelt thanks for all who sent him a message when he was ill. ❤❤
Cheers Andrew, really appreciate it mate as does Pops 👍🏻
Many thanks for your kind words.
loved it Dan! Great to see Pops back with you too.
Thanks very much Scott, appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Many thanks
Great to see Pops back
Thanks very much Jake 👍🏻
Many thanks
It's wonderful to see Pops out again and looking so well and those pied wagcatchers..... amazing!
Many thanks
Thanks very much Dale, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Glad you both got to see them, and get some great shots of this beautiful bird, Another good location is Strid Woods at Bolton Abbey. Welcome back Pops.
Thanks for the suggestion Rob, I’m sure we’ll definitely be giving that site a look in the future 👍🏻
Thank you
Brilliant. Great to see pops back out. Glad your OK.
My neck of the woods I'd Padley. Great area.
Thank you
Thanks very much Craig, hopefully will bump into you one day mate 👍🏻
How wonderful to see POPs out and about again. 10 years ago I had a tumour and when it was being removed it was discovered that it had attached to my appendix so just like you Pops they whipped out the appendix. I was so annoyed that they didn't wake me up and ask my permission. Flycatchers are quite common here in Spain where I live and every year I have a female that comes to my garden. The males are a bit more elusive. Another great informative video.
Many thanks for your kind words and sharing your appendix story too and that was ten years ago! Hope your still keeping fit and well.
Thanks very much Elaine and thanks for sharing your own experience it’s great to hear that you had a successful outcome as well.
I bet the bird photography opportunities are fantastic in Spain?
All the very best 😊
Brilliant! So glad everything went (doubly) well for Pops and he’s looking so well. I have nothing but admiration for our surgeons, they really are life savers. Just one thing Dan, you could have carried Pops’ camera for him up that slope…😂
I 100% agree with you about our surgeons, they are incredible and often very modest with it as well.
I would’ve carried his kit but it’s tough love and I have to encourage him to build his strength back up 😂😂😂
All the very best Steve 👍🏻
Many thanks for your kind words. Couldn't agree more about our surgeons and the NHS during my treatment.
Very good to see pops with you again
Thank you
Thanks very much I appreciate it 👍🏻
G’day Dan.
Very enjoyable vid. Looks like a lovely bird. Fantastic to see your Dad up and about again too!
Thank you
Thanks very much Jon I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Excellent news Pops. Welcome back…. Awesome video too.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Randy, I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻
Simply wonderful! So great to see Pops healthy and back on the channel! I love getting to see a new species for the first time. I finally got to see the red winged blackbird on my trip to the Smoky Mountains last week. I tagged you on my pics on Instagram along with some other images from the trip. Thanks so much for sharing your outing with us!
Thank you
Thanks very much Jon I really appreciate it mate. I will definitely check out those images on instagram, sounds like you had an incredible trip 👍🏻
All the best to your Dad and great chanel and looks like a good day out you Two enjoy life in photography and Thanks Robert G Scotland.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Robert I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Your videos are always interesting Dan, Good to see pops back up and running,
Many thanks
Thanks very much guys, I always appreciate your comments and support 👍🏻
A brilliant video which I thoroughly enjoyed. A cracking Pied Flycatcher. Amazing news about Pops and his Prostate or and very lucky Appendix operation! You were most certainly fortunate enough to need the Prostate op in order for the Surgeon to spot the much-needed appendix op. Fantastic news for you!! 👏 👏
Very many thanks for a great video!
Many thanks, all I can say is thank god for our wonderful NHS they have been fantastic with me from the start.
Thanks very much Sue I really appreciate your kind words, all the very best 😊
Spectacular shots and videos of this bird! Looks a lot similar to the flycatchers here in the Northeast US, but with a very unique plumage. Great to see Pops out and about. Hope to see more of him in your next video!
Thanks very much mate, it’s always great to read comments from overseas watchers I really appreciate it.
All the very best 👍🏻
Thank you
Hi Dan, back from Spain and delighted to see Pops up and well again.
I echo your joy at seeing pied-flycatchers for the first time, I have waited years but a friend showed me a site not a 1/4 of a mile from home and this year was successful! Also pleased to be helping the BTO with a nest box project and we have p/f’s in one of the 15 boxes. Keep the videos coming, they are always enjoyable,
Thank you
Thanks very much Rik I really appreciate it mate. Hope the trip to Spain was a successful one mate and you got some great images. Also good on you for supporting the BTO and conservation efforts that’s amazing work mate 👍🏻
Great to see Pops on the trail again. Never seen a Pied Flycatcher, but like to know if they act like the Spotted i.e. catch fly then return to same perch. Thanks for giving so much pleasure with your videos.
Thank you
Thanks very much Steve, there was definitely some repetition to their behaviour but I’m certainly no expert and have not spent anywhere near enough time observing them to give you an accurate answer.
All the very best 👍🏻
Awwww… It put a big smile on my face to see pops back!!! So glad to see he is recovering! Very pretty bird, thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Many thanks for your kind words.
My absolute pleasure Patty, all the very best and thanks for your comments and continued support ☺️
Great to to see Pops back on the team, lovely capture and footage, they are a beautiful little bird, I was out at 5.30 yesterday morning, pulled up walked 50m from the car heard the male spotted him raised the camera whoosh he was off, moved another 50m up the hill heard another up in the canopy, he took of to the other side of the valley about 100m bit to far, back to the first location took a few shots to shakie, back Tuesday morning with tripod as its only 20 minutes away. Great video as usual and you had a good session before the wet stuff, cheers Derek 👍
Thank you
Thanks very much Derek I really appreciate it mate. Sounds like they had you running around after them. Hope you got the shots in the end 👍🏻
Brilliant video and nice to see Pops looking so well.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Sheila, really appreciate it 😊
Nice to see the Dan Willis fan club were out 'Dan Spotting' @10:50 lol.
Lovely to see the three of you back out again, (you, your camera and Pops) and great you got to see the Pied Flycatcher
😂😂😂😂 that made me giggle mate. Thanks for your comment and support mate it’s truly appreciated 👍🏻
Many thanks
Another great video and so great to see pops back 😊
Thank you
Thanks very much mate I appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan, even better to see Pops back.👌
Many thanks
Thanks very much Toby’s Dad I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
You can’t beat a wide pie catcher!
😂😂😂 now you’re talking
I am reminded of a classic Thin Lizzie track called 'The Boys are back in town'. Great to see pops. Once again, a great video - found it rather appropriate for me as I am off to Scotland next week to photograph, amongst others, these wonderful little birds. With Pied Flycatchers, I find that the female is much better plumaged than most other female birds - not drab at all. Hopefully, weather may hold out for me.
Many thanks
Thanks very much mate and best of luck and safe travels for your upcoming trip mate 👍🏻
Love your videos with pops 🥰
Thank you
Thanks very much Charlene, I’m glad you enjoyed it ☺️
Glad you enjoyed Padley Dan, it's a beautiful area. Pops did well ,Padleys not the easiest place to make a comeback after surgery !! Well done Pops. Both your images looked great ... the 180-600 showing what a great lens it is . All the best fellas, I look forward to your next trip out. Ted. Nottm.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Ted I really appreciate it mate. The 180-600 really is an awesome piece of kit 👍🏻
Good to see you back pops ❤
Thank you
Thanks very much Heather I really appreciate it 😊
Good to see Pops up and out ,take it easy it is a slow job to get back to it . I know only to well .Enjoy
Many thanks for your kind words.
Thanks very much Mike I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Fantastic to see Pops best wishes
Thanks very much John, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Thank you
Great to see Pops back on his feet again and a lovely little video.
Many thanks.
Thanks very much Clive, I really appreciate it. All the best 👍🏻
Great to see Pops back in action, hope he continues to do well.
Many thanks.
Thanks very much Ray I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Nice to see you back Pops👍🏻
Thank you
Thanks very much Gary I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Terrific, really enjoyed seeing the Pied wycatcher :) I have never seen one, though I believe we do get them here on the island. Lovely to see you out with your dad and so glad that he is doing well. Thanks Dan for the video and of course the tips about keeping still etc.
Regards Andy
Many thanks
Cheers Andy, I really do appreciate your comments and continued support mate 👍🏻
Gorgeous
Thanks very much I appreciate it 👍🏻
Lovely pied flycatcher and great to see pops out and about again. 👏🏻👍
Many thanks
Thanks very much Craig, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Fantastic to see Pops back it’s always great to see you guys together doing bird photography as always a fantastic video.
Many thanks, felt really great to be back out with Daniel again.
Thanks very much Martyn I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Such stunning little birds the Pied Wagcatchers! 😂 😂😂
Another great vlog guys, & SO good to see Pops back out doing what he loves & also looking really good! Long may that continue 🤞
Dan, dead right about the woodland birds & environment; you do need to soak it all in & get a feel for it; & you will then tune in to it & be more aware of the movement from these tiny little birds. Great tip for everyone right there.
Enjoy a couple of coffees (or teas Stuart) on me, & I hope to buy you both one in person sometime soon.
Keep on keeping on guys!
Best,
Nick
Many thanks Nick
Cheers Nick, always really appreciate and enjoy reading your comments mate and I’m looking forward to the future meet up opportunities mate.
All the very best 👍🏻
Seeing pops made me well up. So great the gangs back together 👊
Many thanks for your kind words
Thanks very much Mark I really appreciate your kind words mate. All the best 👍🏻
Firstly, so pleased to see Pops out and about again. Wildlife photography is so therapeutic and looks like you both really enjoyed the outing. I have also just been photographing pied flycatchers whilst on holiday in North Devon (home today 😞) and I was as excited as you - definitely not "just" a flycatcher! Really enjoyed this video and look forward to the next one.
Many thanks for your kind words. Couldn't agree with you more about wildlife photography being therapeutic always puts a smile on my face especially when I'm out with Daniel.
@@stuartwillis It's clear to see how much you enjoy each other's company. Still haven't forgotten the time when you dropped your sandwich in your coffee - so funny!
@@debbiesmith2332 I'm very lucky Debbie I have two wonderful sons who are not only my boys but are also my best friends having said that I've still not got Daniel back for the sandwich incident 😏
I’m so glad someone agrees with me that they could never be ‘just a flycatcher!’ An absolutely stunning little bird and I hope you had a great time in Devon. I too have just returned from Somerset which was amazing (video to come soon).
All the best 😁
Brilliant in every way mate
Thanks very much mate I really appreciate it 👍🏻
great video and nice shots
Thanks very much Adrian I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video Dan and Pops!
thank you
Thanks very much Stu I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Best wishes, Pops 🤟
Many thanks
Thanks very much Bjarne I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Belle vidéo sur la Gobemouche noir (Ficedula hypoleuca), j'ai eu de la chance d'avoir pu le photographier.
Heureux de vous retrouver, Pops, et en forme.
Amicalement
Michel
Many thanks Michael
Thanks very much Michael, I really appreciate it and glad you’ve had the opportunity to photograph such a beautiful bird. All the best 👍🏻
Great to see Pops out and about again, only he would get a bargain like that ..... two for one....😂😂😊 Great blog Dan, you would not be in your shot sleeves up here....😢😅
Many thanks Keith, you know me always love a bargain.
Hahaha you are absolutely right Keith, he’s a right lucky sod 😂😂😂
Thanks very much mate I appreciate it, I’m sure it will warm up soon 👍🏻
Oh its warm enough, that much flesh showing would be eaten up by midges, they are bad, and ticks....😢😊
@@KWTImages I heard that the ticks were as bad as ever this year 😱
Great video, such a stunning species, I’d highly recommend visiting RSPB Coombes valley near leek if you wanted to photograph them again, they have lots of nest boxes up, and you can get great shots as they perch outside the boxes, you can get quite close as well. All the best 👍
Thanks very much Oliver I really appreciate it mate and thanks for the suggestion, I’m sure we might just give that a try 👍🏻
Great result Pops and well done for getting a two for one 😂
I just had a series of laser surgeries on my eyes - very scared to do it but turned out to be pretty easy. Like my wildlife photography it was just point and click! 😅
Many thanks, always love a bargain. Excellent news about your laser surgery.
Thanks very much Warren and all the best for a speedy recovery from your laser eye surgery mate ❤️🩹
It’s great to see Pops out and about again. Hopefully it’s all good health going forward, for both of you lads.
What ball head is Pops using on that monopod and does it work well?
Many thanks. The ball head is a Benro G2 Ball Head which works perfectly although recently I've been using a "SpeediGimbal" made by Colin Brister (if you have not heard of this have a look at his web site) its so easy and quick to use I'm very impressed with it.
Thanks very much Richard I really appreciate it mate.
Pops is using a Benro ball head but has just changed it for a Speedigimbal which he absolutely loves 👍🏻
Great to see you BOTH out and about i love Padley Gorge The tree's are amazing and the water after a big rain fall.
Thank you
Thanks very much Mark I really appreciate it mate. Completely agree with you on how stunning that place is 👍🏻
Brilliant video so glad to see pops back and well enjoy 👍🏻👍🏻
Many thanks
Thanks very much Dave I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Keep going Pops 😊
Many thanks
Thanks very much 👍🏻
Great vlog. I've put 10 nest boxes up in the lake district for pieds over 10 years ago. Obviously I replenish them when needed, but I've had success every year. I've had redstarts also, but in recent years they've been a rarity. I see wood warbler occasionally also. Great to see your dad back 👍
Thank you
Wow Michael that’s great work and wonderful conservation mate, the world needs more people like you.
All the very best 👍🏻
Thanks for the encouraging, Dan. 👍
Words 🙄
@@michaelwallwork7482 my pleasure mate 👍🏻
Welcome back Pops great to see you both out together again great video as usual.
Many thanks
Thanks very much Carl I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Welcome back pops nice to see you back on the channel. What outstanding bird. Great vlog.
Thank you
@@stuartwillis
Nearly every day i was asking dan how you were doing. Glad you are feeling better
@@johnflanagan44 So kind of you many thanks
Thanks very much John I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
That was definitely a treecreeper. The Flycatcher was a bit earlier
Thanks for sharing that, I’m still learning bird calls 👍🏻
Hey Pops is back.King of photography, We'll be getting decent high quality photos again. Lol
All in jest, Great to see the fatherly bond restored and both enjoying your photography.
Many thanks for your kind words.
Cheers Michael, he absolutely is the king 😂
All the best mate and thanks for your comment….. I think 😂😂😂
Just for future reference Dan, there's a much easier place to park and walk for this site that doesn't involve that walk - just in case you go again and don't wanna put Pop's through it!
Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks very much Ben I’m all ears for that piece of advice 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Just search 'Padley gorge ice cream van' on google maps, there's a road you can park along the road there and walk down through a wooden gate and it brings to the same spot!
Great to see you back POPs
Thanks very much Derrick I really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Many thanks.
Nice video as well as recognise the calls binoculars might help.
Thanks very much Kevin I really do need to take out my binoculars with me you are absolutely right 👍🏻
Nice Pops is back, glad he is doing ok, what is it for a harness you carry your tripod on the back with????
Thank you
Thanks very much Stephen. The harness is from a company called Cley Spy and it’s called a Mule Pack. I’ve popped a link below 👇🏻
www.cleyspy.co.uk/product-category/cley-spy-mulepack/?_gl=1*12f7x7a*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3tCyBhDBARIsAEY0XNkbwzMJgU0P9zktHQsaHlWVT21mA2l_vezZJw_BeZ6dVKM6gmxl9UoaAjx4EALw_wcB
Hello Dan, I am sure I have never even seen a Pied flycatcher or a red start. But it's good to see pop got his camera back in one pice and looking so well. Question how are you finding the 2xTeleconverter with your Z kit, I have the 600mm f6.3 I an thing it would give me close to 1200mm but at f11, not sure if it would work with my 100mm-400mm, or does it make finding things quit hard like I was trying to track, Turns with the 600mm and keeping them in frame was difficult to say the lest.
Thank you.
Thanks very much John. The 2xTC is a fantastic piece of kit and works well with my 400 but it does have limitations. The first being that the images do lose some sharpness but this is very negligible. The main issue is focusing speed, I used the combination to recently photograph Peregrine’s in flight and it just wasn’t fast enough. I tend to use it for static subjects in good light.
I’m not 100% sure on compatibility with lens but I think it is on the Nikon website 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography Thank you for that. Unfortunately my local Photographic shop (Dales in Leeds) when but, so I am still looking for some one to replace them. I will give so one a bell.