Golden Eagle Hide Workshop 08-12-26

Golden Eagle Hide Workshop

Location: Near Kirkcudbright

Have you ever wanted the opportunity to photograph one of the most amazing Scottish Birds up close?

The golden eagle is the top predator in the Scottish countryside; it is a massive bird of prey that mainly hunts rabbits and mountain hares but will also catch foxes, young deer and large birds like grouse. It can be seen soaring high in the sky in upland areas and remote glens in the north and west of Scotland and there are now some pairs further south in Scotland including in Dumfries and Galloway.

A massive bird of prey, the golden eagle’s wings and tail are only marginally smaller than the rarer white-tailed eagle. Adults are mainly dark brown, with a golden head and neck. Young birds have white patches in their wings and a white base to the tail.

After several years work Scottish Photography Hides is now able to offer the most iconic of British birds the Golden Eagle.

This hide offers up close views of the eagle and is an extremely reliable location to be able to see and photograph the Golden Eagle.

This hide is situated on a moorland quite close to a road so not to difficult to access, but a degree of fitness is required on the 5 minute walk as there is a 15 metre 45 degree incline to walk up just before you reach the hide. Apart from that it is a simple walk.

On this workshop we will have exclusive use of the 4 person hide and the 2 single hides

The main hide itself holds 4 people and has office chairs, a toilet and gimbal plates so a tripod head is best. If not, a beanbag will suffice.

There is also 2 separate single occupancy hides each with office chairs and gimbal plates. In the 2 single hides there is no toilet and all you have is a bucket as you cannot leave the hide under any circumstances until the end of the day.

I will allocate the hides based on the ability and needs of the group.

There are strict requirements for this hides:
• You must be prepared to sit in silence for a long period of time
• Once in the hide you cannot leave until it gets dark.
• Hand holding the camera and lens is not permitted – you must use a gimbal/tripod head or beanbag.
• Entry in to the hides is usually early morning (meeting times will be given at the time of booking).

Once set up you cannot move lenses for any reason. You will be pointing your lens at the carcass and must stay fixed on this for the duration. No incoming flight shots must be attempted, and you must let the Eagle start feeding before any shots are taken.

You cannot leave the hide until dusk so please bare this in mind before booking. It is imperative these birds do not see anyone entering or leaving the hide.

Those on DSLR cameras must shoot in silent and single shot. No burst modes.

Lens wise around 400mm full frame is best. 500mm is also good however you might clip wings if it spreads them while tearing the carcass.

As this is a silent hide camera settings will be given before the workshop and a run down of the type of images to look for will also be given. Once in the main hide any communication will be minimal, for the single hides communication will be done via text. Therefore it is essential for this workshop that you have a basic understanding of your camera settings.

Due to the nature of the species. It is advised to be prepared for a cancelation near your date as if it hasn’t showed for 2 or 3 days I advise for people to postpone. This doesn’t happen often and is a rare occurrence but if booking accommodation then please book with free cancellation.

In the unlikely event of a no show a free day is offered in future within a 12 month period – this will likely be an unguided visit where you will go back on your own.