Crested Tits (Lophophanes cristatus) are one of Scotland's iconic species. Only found in small pockets of pine woods in the Scottish Highlands they spend most of the year high up in the trees where they eat insects.
During this time you may hear their distinctive call, but are very unlikely to see them. Over the winter months however, cresties will come down to feeders and this presents an ideal opportunity to photograph these personable little birds with their wonderful crests.
I am therefore offering photography sessions from December - March (end date really depends on when the birds disappear, this is often weather related).
My brand new crested tit site is in a clearing in a pine wood in the Highlands. There are two cresties visiting the feeders as well as many other little birds - coal tits (lots of those!), great tits, blue tits and less frequently long-tailed tits, robins, chaffinches, goldcrest, treecreeper and wren. Red squirrels leap between the trees, running up and down the trunks, probably wishing we'd leave so that they can nip down to the feeders too! Red kites and buzzards can been seen flying overhead.
This is a natural setting with no props. You'll be standing outside (no hide) photographing the birds as they perch in the younger pine trees. Being a woodland the light fluctuates so a fast lens is recommended with a focal length of 300mm+ as well as a tripod - this disturbs the birds less as you won't be raising and lowering the camera.
There are no toilet facilities.
The site is a 15 minute walk, mostly along a forestry road with short walk through heather to reach the clearing. Waterproof boots or wellies recommended.
This session can be guided or unguided.
For an unguided session I will meet you at a location nearby and you can follow in your own vehicle. I will take you to the site and talk you through where the birds are likely to land and their behaviours, giving a few tips if required on best settings. I will then depart, leaving you to enjoy the birds.
For a guided session I will meet you at a location nearby and you can either follow in your own vehicle or I can drive us there. We will then walk to the site and I will aid you in spotting the birds and provide as much help as is required.
In order to protect the location of this site, my photography sessions are only available to people vacationing in the Highlands. I apologise for any disapppointment this may cause.
Crested tits and other little birds seen at the site
Price
Sessions are available December - March (end date depends on when cresties disappear from feeders, so if booking in mid-late March I will be in touch to confirm nearer the time).
Unguided:
1 Person: £60
2 People: £100
Guided:
1 Person: £100
2 People: £150
Guests at my rental cabin The Drey Inchberry receive a discount on these prices, please contact me for details.
