Hello again Rich - WOW! What can I say? That was absolutely stunning! The owls and the harriers were to die for, and I reckon that would be my idea of heaven!!! Some of the shots and footage of 2 birds together was quite astonishing and I watched it all on full-screen which was even better! I bet you can't wait to get back! Did you sort out the focusing issues? That must have been so utterly frustrating! Looking forward to you next video! All the best! Tom
Thanks very much Tom, I was in Heaven for sure and I expect you could tell I was quite excited with my fantastics and awesome's!! I still always get carried away, lol. I really can't but not until next year I think, shame but I'll look forward to returning with hopefully Otter success next time. It did eventually sort itself out, could be with the heat as this can sometimes happen, bit of a pain but seeing the birds was special. Thanks again, all the best R 👍
Brilliant trip! Mull is truly a wonderful place! Thanks for letting me tag along! GoPro's are great right up until they are not. Mine will record video without sound, then sound without video, then it will do wonderful. Crazy!
Thanks for watching Jon, it really is a Mecca for the Wildlife Photographer and Naturalist and I can't wait to return one day! Yeah, they are a right pain in the behind, certainly not consistent, lol.. Still I've a new system now which should hopefully improve things a bit! Cheers Rich 👍
@@RichardBirchett Seems that a lot of people are making the switch to the DJI pocket, but they have their flaws as well. Best of luck with your new system.
Richard what a fantastic place to go Hen harriers, short ear Owls what more could you ask for, other than the GoPro packing up lol 😂 , you certainly had a busy time on mull, I was trying to get a photo of a Red kite couldn’t get it to focus on the kite at all wouldn’t do it until I check the lens was in manual mode 😂😂 ,then I remembered previous to that I was taking pictures of seals on the sand bars that’s why I had it manually focusing, Richard your videos are truly outstanding really enjoyed watching it thank you for taking the time and sharing your videos. Martyn
Cheers Martyn, things like that do happen from time to time but thankfully now a rare sight! The birds were truly outstanding to see and I felt so privileged that they let me in to their world, a memorable experience for sure. You are too kind and I really appreciate you saying! I hope you managed to get some good shots of the seals and in the end maybe some great Kite shots. All the best mate. R🙏😀
The hen harrier is a very interesting bird. If you can pick them up with short-eared owls right away, that's fantastic. Captured very nicely. Greetings from Switzerland - Heini
Hi Heini, they are truly magical birds to watch hunting and amongst the owls as well was fantastic. Thanks very much for watching, all the very best to you in Switzerland. Regards Richard 👍
Love it love it love it @RichardBirchett and seems you’ve had an epic trip to the north. My first trip to Mull 2 years ago was a complete washout and hardly any sightings of wildlife I’m seriously craving another trip back but I need to show my wife these videos in order to convince her there is anything to see….she thinks it’s all just hype to bring in the tourists!! 😂
Hi Phil, it was truly awesome and I will be back for sure, it’s left me wanting to return ASAP! Lol… shame you didn’t get to see much when you were there, what month did you visit? I really do hope you get back there, if you need any pointers on locations give me a shout. Make sure she watches, lol 😉👍. All the best R
Thanks very much indeed for watching and for Subscribing to the channel! Great to have you onboard, such a cracking spot! Heading back to Mull in June and can't wait! All the best Richard👍
Wow,despite the obvious frustration for you on several missed shots,a real pleasure to watch this vlog. Some wonderful footage and shots of the Short Eared Owl and Hen Harriers. An amazing place to spend the day,vast and unspoilt,how lucky you were. Thanks for sharing your Scotland adventures.🤗Alison.
Hi Alison, it was a bit of a pain as I usually have so much trust in my equipment and it surprised me when things went wrong, still got some good shots to show so not all bad! It was amazing, a trip that will stay with me for sometime! Thanks again R 👍
Not many can say they got sunburned in Scotland! :) Stunning photos. Thanks for sharing your outings, as always! Fell behind in watching your videos; have to binge watch now :)
Fantastic McBirchett brightened up my boring Sat afternoon you've definitely got some kind of affinity with 🏴 with the weather you had. Glad you got some great shots. My trip in Sept has diminished some what as the people I'm traveling with are not to keen, so I will definitely be returning on my own so keep that info handy mate, you've definitely given me plenty of inspiration. Stay safe all of you. 📸 👍
Lol, thanks very much Graeme I’m glad I brightened the day a little 🙏👍. It was beautiful weather and really hot I caught quite the tan, not expected! That’s a real shame, they don’t know what they are missing:-( when you do give me a shout. Thanks again R 👍
Thank you for this vlog Richard. Amazing work. Birds of prey are definitely my favourite birds to watch. I was privileged to see my first Osprey on Loe Pool this week, right on the doorstep of home.
Hi Steve, thanks very much for watching they certainly are so special to watch and to get some shots was such a bonus! Wow, I heard they were in the area but didn't know they were at Loe Pool, are they still there? All the best R 👍
Cracking stuff again Rich - what a stunning place with some fantastic birds! Wee have Shorties & both Harrier on the Dee estuary which I’ve seen but nothing quite like that 👍
Thanks very much Rob, that’s great to hear are they resident must of the year? What a great place, I’ll be sure to give you a shout if I pop up… it was superb mate, so much to see I was like a kid in a sweet shop, lol… all the best R 👍
Great video Richard. I wish my good days where as bad as your bad days mate😂 Some of the best SEO images I've seen for a long time and just makes me so keen to get back to Mull👍 Great watch.
Hi Scott, that’s very kind of you to say mate it was such a brilliant trip and certainly worth the miles to get there and see so much. It was a bad day for ficus issue but not for views of these wonderful birds 🙏👍. Cheers R 👍
Great video Richard lovely footage and stills. Hope you're camera's ok, I think we've all had days where things don't go quite right, I know I have. What s fabulous place by the looks of things. Keep up the good work mate, all the best Steve.
Cheers Steve, it was a bit of a pain in the arse but still I walked away happy and to be honest for me it's not always about getting the shot! Truly amazing spot, have you been to Mull? If not mate its a must, you won't be disappointed! Camera seems fine now, typical, lol.. Thanks again mate. 👍
Another great vlog Richard, love the aerial battles with the Shorties & Hen Harriers! On your focusing issues, I too definitely have days like this too.... Sometimes I disconnect the lens from the body, give it a couple of minutes & reattach it & away she goes again. Another (schoolboy error) issue I had with AF issues was that I was getting really frustrated at not being able to nail focus on a pair of Little Owls. This turned out to be my adopter had moved, obviously I had caught it somehow & not realised, it until afterwards. I'm left eye dominant, which isn't the best on a viewfinder with a big fat head like mine 😳 but the adopter had moved 2/3 of the dial to the right - hence my blurred out of focus little owls! I did correct it just as the light had all but gone, but it did frustrate the heck out of me until I spotted it. Keep up the great work buddy. All the best, Nick
Thanks very much Nick, amazing birds for sure I could literally watch them all day long! I did pretty much the same with a few tweaks here and there and things improved, got back home and all is fine! Typical, lol… cheers for tuning in and for you regular support on the channel mate 👍
@@RichardBirchett If it all went smoothly especially filming it all as well that would be amazing ! Incredible how much kit and attention to detail required ! Well done !
Just gripping to watch !! Can’t believe how many Bird of preys you got to see !!! Just in my opinion topped your best post to date !!!!!! Can’t believe what a special place that is !!!!! Just inspiring post !!! Brilliant Richard 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍👍👍👍
Wow, that's really good to know and quite the praise as you've been following me for quite a long time so thanks very much! It really was so special, I'm glad it does not happen all the time as when it does it so special. Can't wait to go back again. All the best my friend. Rich 👍
Amazing stuff. So glad to see you in the field naturally waiting on the wildlife, instead of setting it up from a hide with bait. This is what wildlife photography is all about, patience, stealth, and wonderment of the natural world. Inspired.
Thank you very much indeed for your kind words, I do try my best to keep things as natural as possible and if I don't achieve the results it gives me more incentive to try again in hope to get a nice shot, but the experience is often much better than the picture, All the very best and thanks again for watching. R 👍
Wow mate what can I say absolutely amazing place. Despite the frustrations you managed to come away with some stunning footage and images. We have all definitely had those difficult days but if you get results like that on a difficult day the good ones will be out of this world. Thanks for sharing an amazing story. Cheers Keith
Thanks very much Keith, I didn't really set out to do it over 3 days but shows like that could not be missed and I loved just being there to be honest! Amazing birds and a cracking place. My pleasure my friend, all the best R 👍
Really enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing. The owls and hen harriers are stunning birds and I particularly enjoyed the owl seeing off the buzzard. Pity you had focusing problems, I’ve suffered the same fate in the last couple of weeks. Autofocus hunts like crazy and is inconsistent so a camera check up needed. Mull is spectacular.
Many thanks Ron, yes it was a bit frustrating but most of the time its fine! When it happens it really is a right pain especially with key moments of birds behavior! All in all though quite happy. The SEO's were certainly on the ball regarding defending their territory. All the best Richard 👍
Cheers Jon, it was just special seeing so many in one place, had a goldie go over too but I was in awe just watching it and forgot the shot, lol.. cheers R 👍
Thanks very much indeed, yes that was the spot I had a chat with Simon and pointed him in that direction as it was such a good site. Looks like he had a great time too, nice to share knowledge with others. All the best R 👍
Lovely work again Richard, love the SEOs, never been lucky enough to see one even though they somtimes turn up on steart Marshes less than 20 miles from where I live. I know a few people local who have photographed them but all my visits have drawn a blank , as for focus problems I have a terable bad habit of when I use the focus limiter to help speed up focus times I very often forget to resset it when situations change missing shots...
Thanks Mike, I really hope you get the chance to see them as they are magical birds to watch hunting. Yes the focus limiter can be an issue sometimes as if they get too close you can often miss the shot! Not good, a fine balance to get it right for the subject you are shooting. Thanks again for watching my friend. All the best R 👍
Thanks very much Daniel, it really was such a joy to be there! I didn’t in the end, looked at sending it away for calibration, but did my own and all seemed to be okay. Fingers crossed it stays that way! All the best R 👍
Hi Richard, came back from Mull about three weeks ago and had fantastic views of male and female hen harriers in and around the same area, also at Grasspoint but sadly no shorties, weather was also really bleak to get any real good photos, but what a place, going back in may. Cracking vlog by the way👍
Thanks very much indeed for watching, really glad you got to see the Harriers, such amazing birds to watch and photograph! I shall return also, hopefully next late spring. Next time some Otters, Grasspoint is a top spot. All the best R 👍
Great video, really whetted my appetite for our trip to mull in early September. How do you go about finding locations like this one? Thanks very much, Tim.
Thanks very much Tim, I really hope you have a great time and see loads of wildlife. I spoke to many people through social media about places to go plus I purchased a really good book on the Scottish Highlands by Gordon Hamlett which was so valuable and accurate and certainly worth buying. Link below to Amazon if you are interested. Thanks again. R www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0956987656/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Love the video, thanks. I am off to Mull again in October. I was there April/May and it was a bit cold [and disappointing] Would you care to share any tips or locations for a super keen novice wildlife photographer? Is it worth getting a guide? Thanks again.
Hi Sarah, thanks very much for watching and subscribing to the channel. That's a real shame about your trip.😬 There are two areas frequented by 4 x HH and 4 x SEO’s. Park near the old bridge, pull in just past the redundant digger just off the road from the scenic route from loch scridain. Best area at base of Ben More, track runs down the middle between two farms just off the road, lots of activity from 1700 which peaks at 1900ish. Not sure if the morning could be equally as good. Parking near the bridge is good for overnight stays. Grasspoint is a great spot too as is Bunessan, best of luck I hope you get to see loads of wildlife. Link to this great book which will take you to some great locations. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0956987656/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Cheers R
Good stuff Richard, get heat distortion / harsh light issues with the 1DX Mk II / 600F4 quite a lot here in Scotland, nothing to do with your camera / settings. Keep up the good work, and if you are up this way, the ospreys will have fledged in the next few days, 5 ospreys to photograph & film at the Loch, take care, Darren.
Hi Darren, that’s really handy to know! A right pain though, quick turn off camera then re jiggle some settings and it’s back on track, photographed sea Eagles the following day with my 300mm Prime and the lens was on fire so rapid! Was worried but happy it capture all action incredibly well. Wish I was coming up, 5 Ospreys man that’s a dream! One day I’ll pop in and meet up for a session 🙏👍
@@RichardBirchett About 40 years ago, two friends and I went on a chaps' fishing holiday to Mull. We stayed at Lettermore, half-way down the Eastern shore of Loch Frisa. One evening, late, one of my pals and I decided we'd try a drift down the loch for a seatrout or two. We rowed up to the head of the loch against a stiff breeze, working up a good sweat. When we got there, the wind died away, and within half-a-minute, there arose a faint hum. The midgies had come out to play! But we had forgotten the insect repellent. The fishing was quite good, but it is the only time I've seen a man throw down his rod, with a fish in play, to beat himself about the head against the attack of minute biting insects!
Great story to share Anthony, I bet that was a nightmare! I’m a angler and to throw the rod down it must of been bad! I can just see it now, and to hear them coming! Not good, thanks for sharing made me chuckle 👍😂
I have one of those days going wrong most days. Just gotta keep on going. And persisting. I got shortlisted in 7 international competitions and lost a lot(nearly all) Just keep on telling myself to keep on going. And hopefully get winner soon. Also what’s your best advice for lens cleaning. I’ve got dust or mud on my lens and can’t get rid of it think it’s inside the lens? Just don’t want to spend fortune sending it off etc to get it cleaned.c
Hi Ben, thanks for watching, yes I get the odd one or two, lol… well done on the competitions, you’ll get there I’m sure but don’t forget it’s not all about winning competitions, as just being out there in nature is reward enough. But keep going… I’ve got a TH-cam video on lens cleaning if that helps, but it doesn’t go too in depth! Cheers R 👍
Hear, hear Richard! Competitions or suchlike shouldn’t define one’s photography/videography. Competitions are wholly subjective. Listen, learn and enjoy nature and wildlife. My original nature and wildlife photographs are featured in hospitals without ever winning a competition or being available from stock photo libraries. Since lockdown, I’m regularly capturing photos and videos of Eurasian Otters and Common Kingfishers on the local river around sunrise (sometimes within 5 metres) and without using a hide. Both don’t appear to be aware I’m sitting there and both have even been present at the same time 😊
Great shots as usual despite the focusing issues. I recently sat on the cliff top here on the isle of wight trying to photograph a peregrine over the sea and all the camera did was focus on the background. Never did get a good shot. Safe journey home, look forward to more vlogs. Regards Mike
Thanks Mike, seems to have sorted itself out now, but it was a pain! Shame you got that problem, often happens with a small bird over the sea, but once it’s locked it should stay in focus! A right pain… thanks again my friend. 👍
Hello again Rich - WOW! What can I say? That was absolutely stunning! The owls and the harriers were to die for, and I reckon that would be my idea of heaven!!! Some of the shots and footage of 2 birds together was quite astonishing and I watched it all on full-screen which was even better! I bet you can't wait to get back! Did you sort out the focusing issues? That must have been so utterly frustrating! Looking forward to you next video! All the best! Tom
Thanks very much Tom, I was in Heaven for sure and I expect you could tell I was quite excited with my fantastics and awesome's!! I still always get carried away, lol. I really can't but not until next year I think, shame but I'll look forward to returning with hopefully Otter success next time. It did eventually sort itself out, could be with the heat as this can sometimes happen, bit of a pain but seeing the birds was special. Thanks again, all the best R 👍
I am so glad that other people have problems when they're trying to take photos. It makes me feel so much better. LOL
Lol, sometimes it does happen! Css as by win then all, thanks for watching. All the best R 👍
Glad to see I'm not the only one who has bad day's. 😉👍
Thanks very much Malcolm, get happen all the time, lol.. Cheers R 👍
owls are my favorite bird. Good job!
One of mine too my friend, thanks very much for watching. All the best R 👍
Great vlog so many birds its on my list to visit soon SEO and Hen Harriers all together awesome
It was magical Steve, spoilt for choice and unsure which way to face, lol.. Thanks very much. R 👍
Brilliant trip! Mull is truly a wonderful place! Thanks for letting me tag along! GoPro's are great right up until they are not. Mine will record video without sound, then sound without video, then it will do wonderful. Crazy!
Thanks for watching Jon, it really is a Mecca for the Wildlife Photographer and Naturalist and I can't wait to return one day! Yeah, they are a right pain in the behind, certainly not consistent, lol.. Still I've a new system now which should hopefully improve things a bit! Cheers Rich 👍
@@RichardBirchett Seems that a lot of people are making the switch to the DJI pocket, but they have their flaws as well. Best of luck with your new system.
Hi Richard ! Great !!! Great !!!
Thanks very much Evgeny, it was such a great trip 👍
@@RichardBirchett have a good weekend !!!
Awesome as always hubby! Xx
Thanks for making it happen! xx
fantastic video been to mull many times only had a few sightings of Hen harrier a special bird.
Thanks Kevin, great to hear so many people visiting Mull, really is a special place and to see all those birds was truly magical 👍🙏. Cheers R 👍
Richard what a fantastic place to go Hen harriers, short ear Owls what more could you ask for, other than the GoPro packing up lol 😂 , you certainly had a busy time on mull, I was trying to get a photo of a Red kite couldn’t get it to focus on the kite at all wouldn’t do it until I check the lens was in manual mode 😂😂 ,then I remembered previous to that I was taking pictures of seals on the sand bars that’s why I had it manually focusing, Richard your videos are truly outstanding really enjoyed watching it thank you for taking the time and sharing your videos. Martyn
Cheers Martyn, things like that do happen from time to time but thankfully now a rare sight! The birds were truly outstanding to see and I felt so privileged that they let me in to their world, a memorable experience for sure. You are too kind and I really appreciate you saying! I hope you managed to get some good shots of the seals and in the end maybe some great Kite shots. All the best mate. R🙏😀
The hen harrier is a very interesting bird. If you can pick them up with short-eared owls right away, that's fantastic. Captured very nicely. Greetings from Switzerland - Heini
Hi Heini, they are truly magical birds to watch hunting and amongst the owls as well was fantastic. Thanks very much for watching, all the very best to you in Switzerland. Regards Richard 👍
Awesome mate. What a few days you had.. 👍
She was a belter mate! Getting withdrawals now😂😂👍
Great! The shorties make me smile with the expression on their faces. 😊
Thanks very much Janet, and me such a happy bird and very territorial!! Cheers R
Love it love it love it @RichardBirchett and seems you’ve had an epic trip to the north.
My first trip to Mull 2 years ago was a complete washout and hardly any sightings of wildlife I’m seriously craving another trip back but I need to show my wife these videos in order to convince her there is anything to see….she thinks it’s all just hype to bring in the tourists!! 😂
Hi Phil, it was truly awesome and I will be back for sure, it’s left me wanting to return ASAP! Lol… shame you didn’t get to see much when you were there, what month did you visit? I really do hope you get back there, if you need any pointers on locations give me a shout. Make sure she watches, lol 😉👍. All the best R
@@RichardBirchett it was October.....will drop you a line to exchange notes. 👍
No worries Phil 👍
@@philbooth319 Cheers Phil
@@RichardBirchett have sent you a message on Instagram. :-)
Brilliant video yet again.
Thanks very much🙏👍
Beautiful! Enjoyed it.
Thanks very much Bernard, such a great place to go if you ever get the chance. Regards R 👍
Great video Richard 👍
Thanks very much Aaron 👍
Excellent video of a beautiful part of the World. Thank you. Subscribed!
Thanks very much indeed for watching and for Subscribing to the channel! Great to have you onboard, such a cracking spot! Heading back to Mull in June and can't wait! All the best Richard👍
Beautiful Richard. Great video and photos of some iconic birds. 😍😍😍👍👍👍
Thanks very much indeed, really happy despite the focus issues! And such great birds to see with or without a camera! Cheers R 👍
Excellent video and pictures of the owls and hen harriers on Mull Richard,just a shame it’s not just a short drive from. The South West 👍.
Thanks very much Mark, yes quite the Trek, lol… Certainly much harder to achieve good results back home but still when you do get them it’s special 👍
Great video Richard
Cheers my friend, all the best R 👍
Awesome video!!! Loved it😁😁
Thanks Lisa 👍
Wow,despite the obvious frustration for you on several missed shots,a real pleasure to watch this vlog.
Some wonderful footage and shots of the Short Eared Owl and Hen Harriers.
An amazing place to spend the day,vast and unspoilt,how lucky you were.
Thanks for sharing your Scotland adventures.🤗Alison.
Hi Alison, it was a bit of a pain as I usually have so much trust in my equipment and it surprised me when things went wrong, still got some good shots to show so not all bad! It was amazing, a trip that will stay with me for sometime! Thanks again R 👍
Great film Richard, brought back a few memories mate!! Some great images you got there 📷😀
Thanks Simon, I bet it did, lol… such a great trip with a hopeful return next year all being well 🙏👍
Not many can say they got sunburned in Scotland! :) Stunning photos. Thanks for sharing your outings, as always! Fell behind in watching your videos; have to binge watch now :)
Reckon you are right there, lol... Thanks very much, great to hear from you I hope you enjoy the rest. All the best R 👍
Another brilliant vid mate
Thanks very much Jon, great birds👍
Fantastic stuff Richard. Loved the harriers and shorties. Happy days.
Hi Steve, thanks very much for watching! Such an amazing place, as you could possibly tell, lol… 👍
Fantastic McBirchett brightened up my boring Sat afternoon you've definitely got some kind of affinity with 🏴 with the weather you had. Glad you got some great shots. My trip in Sept has diminished some what as the people I'm traveling with are not to keen, so I will definitely be returning on my own so keep that info handy mate, you've definitely given me plenty of inspiration. Stay safe all of you. 📸 👍
Lol, thanks very much Graeme I’m glad I brightened the day a little 🙏👍. It was beautiful weather and really hot I caught quite the tan, not expected! That’s a real shame, they don’t know what they are missing:-( when you do give me a shout. Thanks again R 👍
Thank you for this vlog Richard. Amazing work. Birds of prey are definitely my favourite birds to watch. I was privileged to see my first Osprey on Loe Pool this week, right on the doorstep of home.
Hi Steve, thanks very much for watching they certainly are so special to watch and to get some shots was such a bonus! Wow, I heard they were in the area but didn't know they were at Loe Pool, are they still there? All the best R 👍
@@RichardBirchett Hi Richard. Apologies, I had not picked up your reply. I have not heard of any reports of the Osprey in the last week.
@@steveford6900 No worries Steve, thanks R
Cracking stuff again Rich - what a stunning place with some fantastic birds! Wee have Shorties & both Harrier on the Dee estuary which I’ve seen but nothing quite like that 👍
Thanks very much Rob, that’s great to hear are they resident must of the year? What a great place, I’ll be sure to give you a shout if I pop up… it was superb mate, so much to see I was like a kid in a sweet shop, lol… all the best R 👍
Great video Richard. I wish my good days where as bad as your bad days mate😂 Some of the best SEO images I've seen for a long time and just makes me so keen to get back to Mull👍 Great watch.
Hi Scott, that’s very kind of you to say mate it was such a brilliant trip and certainly worth the miles to get there and see so much. It was a bad day for ficus issue but not for views of these wonderful birds 🙏👍. Cheers R 👍
This was great-so much action no wonder you didn’t know where to look!!!
Thanks very much, it was action packed for sure, lol.. Thanks again for watching. R 👍
awesome
Cheers Eric 👍
Great video Richard lovely footage and stills. Hope you're camera's ok, I think we've all had days where things don't go quite right, I know I have. What s fabulous place by the looks of things. Keep up the good work mate, all the best Steve.
Cheers Steve, it was a bit of a pain in the arse but still I walked away happy and to be honest for me it's not always about getting the shot! Truly amazing spot, have you been to Mull? If not mate its a must, you won't be disappointed! Camera seems fine now, typical, lol.. Thanks again mate. 👍
No I've never been to Mull Richard, looks like I should put it on my list of places to visit. Glad the camera is ok , keep well mate.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography Defo Steve, thanks mate all the best :-)
Fantastic! I wish my off days were that good! Great shots. Many thanks for sharing.
Lol, cheers Rich… I know it wasn’t a total loss but frustrating on the good pass🙁! Oh well, gives me excuses to go back and for the otters. 😂👍
Another great vlog Richard, love the aerial battles with the Shorties & Hen Harriers!
On your focusing issues, I too definitely have days like this too....
Sometimes I disconnect the lens from the body, give it a couple of minutes & reattach it & away she goes again. Another (schoolboy error) issue I had with AF issues was that I was getting really frustrated at not being able to nail focus on a pair of Little Owls. This turned out to be my adopter had moved, obviously I had caught it somehow & not realised, it until afterwards.
I'm left eye dominant, which isn't the best on a viewfinder with a big fat head like mine 😳 but the adopter had moved 2/3 of the dial to the right - hence my blurred out of focus little owls! I did correct it just as the light had all but gone, but it did frustrate the heck out of me until I spotted it.
Keep up the great work buddy.
All the best,
Nick
Meant to read diopter not adaptor***
Lol👍
Thanks very much Nick, amazing birds for sure I could literally watch them all day long! I did pretty much the same with a few tweaks here and there and things improved, got back home and all is fine! Typical, lol… cheers for tuning in and for you regular support on the channel mate 👍
Well you certainly made the most of your trip and a great final location ! Awesome work mate !
Thanks very much Mark, loved every minute of it despite a few frustrations, lol 👍
@@RichardBirchett If it all went smoothly especially filming it all as well that would be amazing ! Incredible how much kit and attention to detail required ! Well done !
Thanks very much Mark, all the best R 👍
Just gripping to watch !! Can’t believe how many Bird of preys you got to see !!! Just in my opinion topped your best post to date !!!!!! Can’t believe what a special place that is !!!!! Just inspiring post !!! Brilliant Richard 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍👍👍👍
Wow, that's really good to know and quite the praise as you've been following me for quite a long time so thanks very much! It really was so special, I'm glad it does not happen all the time as when it does it so special. Can't wait to go back again. All the best my friend. Rich 👍
Another great vlog Richard and the shorties and hen harriers look amazing. Mull is somewhere I need to plan to visit in the future.
Thanks very much Lee, it’s bonkers there really and is got to be in that list for sure. Hope you get the chance, you won’t regret it. All the best R 👍
@@RichardBirchett no worries always enjoy the vlogs, think I'm going to plan a trip closer to home first to try and get some images of beavers 😁
Amazing stuff. So glad to see you in the field naturally waiting on the wildlife, instead of setting it up from a hide with bait. This is what wildlife photography is all about, patience, stealth, and wonderment of the natural world. Inspired.
Thank you very much indeed for your kind words, I do try my best to keep things as natural as possible and if I don't achieve the results it gives me more incentive to try again in hope to get a nice shot, but the experience is often much better than the picture, All the very best and thanks again for watching. R 👍
Brilliant Hen Harrier footage Richard 👍
Thanks very much Harrison, certainly special birds. Thanks for watching. Cheers R 👍
Wow mate what can I say absolutely amazing place. Despite the frustrations you managed to come away with some stunning footage and images. We have all definitely had those difficult days but if you get results like that on a difficult day the good ones will be out of this world. Thanks for sharing an amazing story. Cheers Keith
Thanks very much Keith, I didn't really set out to do it over 3 days but shows like that could not be missed and I loved just being there to be honest! Amazing birds and a cracking place. My pleasure my friend, all the best R 👍
Really enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing. The owls and hen harriers are stunning birds and I particularly enjoyed the owl seeing off the buzzard.
Pity you had focusing problems, I’ve suffered the same fate in the last couple of weeks. Autofocus hunts like crazy and is inconsistent so a camera check up needed.
Mull is spectacular.
Many thanks Ron, yes it was a bit frustrating but most of the time its fine! When it happens it really is a right pain especially with key moments of birds behavior! All in all though quite happy. The SEO's were certainly on the ball regarding defending their territory. All the best Richard 👍
Great video mate! I love mull, can't wait to get back there!
Thanks very much indeed, such a great place to be! Fingers crossed you do. Cheers Richard 👍
As a bird of prey fanatic that's what I'd call a red letter day. I must get back to the Mull soon. Enjoyed the vlog mate 🙂👍👏
Cheers Jon, it was just special seeing so many in one place, had a goldie go over too but I was in awe just watching it and forgot the shot, lol.. cheers R 👍
Cracking video, some great shots and video clips. Was that the same location that Simon Eardley was at? Thanks again
Thanks very much indeed, yes that was the spot I had a chat with Simon and pointed him in that direction as it was such a good site. Looks like he had a great time too, nice to share knowledge with others. All the best R 👍
Lovely work again Richard, love the SEOs, never been lucky enough to see one even though they somtimes turn up on steart Marshes less than 20 miles from where I live. I know a few people local who have photographed them but all my visits have drawn a blank , as for focus problems I have a terable bad habit of when I use the focus limiter to help speed up focus times I very often forget to resset it when situations change missing shots...
Thanks Mike, I really hope you get the chance to see them as they are magical birds to watch hunting. Yes the focus limiter can be an issue sometimes as if they get too close you can often miss the shot! Not good, a fine balance to get it right for the subject you are shooting. Thanks again for watching my friend. All the best R 👍
Well done Richie.Looks amazing out there. Did you find out what the issue was with your focus?
Thanks very much Daniel, it really was such a joy to be there! I didn’t in the end, looked at sending it away for calibration, but did my own and all seemed to be okay. Fingers crossed it stays that way! All the best R 👍
Hi Richard, came back from Mull about three weeks ago and had fantastic views of male and female hen harriers in and around the same area, also at Grasspoint but sadly no shorties, weather was also really bleak to get any real good photos, but what a place, going back in may. Cracking vlog by the way👍
Thanks very much indeed for watching, really glad you got to see the Harriers, such amazing birds to watch and photograph! I shall return also, hopefully next late spring. Next time some Otters, Grasspoint is a top spot. All the best R 👍
Great video, really whetted my appetite for our trip to mull in early September. How do you go about finding locations like this one? Thanks very much, Tim.
Thanks very much Tim, I really hope you have a great time and see loads of wildlife. I spoke to many people through social media about places to go plus I purchased a really good book on the Scottish Highlands by Gordon Hamlett which was so valuable and accurate and certainly worth buying. Link below to Amazon if you are interested. Thanks again. R
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0956987656/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Love the video, thanks. I am off to Mull again in October. I was there April/May and it was a bit cold [and disappointing] Would you care to share any tips or locations for a super keen novice wildlife photographer? Is it worth getting a guide? Thanks again.
Hi Sarah, thanks very much for watching and subscribing to the channel.
That's a real shame about your trip.😬
There are two areas frequented by 4 x HH and 4 x SEO’s. Park near the old bridge, pull in just past the redundant digger just off the road from the scenic route from loch scridain. Best area at base of Ben More, track runs down the middle between two farms just off the road, lots of activity from 1700 which peaks at 1900ish. Not sure if the morning could be equally as good. Parking near the bridge is good for overnight stays.
Grasspoint is a great spot too as is Bunessan, best of luck I hope you get to see loads of wildlife.
Link to this great book which will take you to some great locations.
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0956987656/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cheers R
Thats great, thanks. I also ordered the book you mentioned in another reply. Excited to be heading up there again.
Good stuff Richard, get heat distortion / harsh light issues with the 1DX Mk II / 600F4 quite a lot here in Scotland, nothing to do with your camera / settings. Keep up the good work, and if you are up this way, the ospreys will have fledged in the next few days, 5 ospreys to photograph & film at the Loch, take care, Darren.
Hi Darren, that’s really handy to know! A right pain though, quick turn off camera then re jiggle some settings and it’s back on track, photographed sea Eagles the following day with my 300mm Prime and the lens was on fire so rapid! Was worried but happy it capture all action incredibly well. Wish I was coming up, 5 Ospreys man that’s a dream! One day I’ll pop in and meet up for a session 🙏👍
The breeze keeps the midges off. I've been eaten alive on Mull!
It really does, lol…. 🙏for a little breeze👍. Thanks for watching Anthony, all the best R
@@RichardBirchett About 40 years ago, two friends and I went on a chaps' fishing holiday to Mull. We stayed at Lettermore, half-way down the Eastern shore of Loch Frisa. One evening, late, one of my pals and I decided we'd try a drift down the loch for a seatrout or two. We rowed up to the head of the loch against a stiff breeze, working up a good sweat. When we got there, the wind died away, and within half-a-minute, there arose a faint hum. The midgies had come out to play! But we had forgotten the insect repellent. The fishing was quite good, but it is the only time I've seen a man throw down his rod, with a fish in play, to beat himself about the head against the attack of minute biting insects!
Great story to share Anthony, I bet that was a nightmare! I’m a angler and to throw the rod down it must of been bad! I can just see it now, and to hear them coming! Not good, thanks for sharing made me chuckle 👍😂
I have one of those days going wrong most days. Just gotta keep on going. And persisting. I got shortlisted in 7 international competitions and lost a lot(nearly all) Just keep on telling myself to keep on going. And hopefully get winner soon. Also what’s your best advice for lens cleaning. I’ve got dust or mud on my lens and can’t get rid of it think it’s inside the lens? Just don’t want to spend fortune sending it off etc to get it cleaned.c
Hi Ben, thanks for watching, yes I get the odd one or two, lol… well done on the competitions, you’ll get there I’m sure but don’t forget it’s not all about winning competitions, as just being out there in nature is reward enough. But keep going… I’ve got a TH-cam video on lens cleaning if that helps, but it doesn’t go too in depth! Cheers R 👍
Hear, hear Richard!
Competitions or suchlike shouldn’t define one’s photography/videography. Competitions are wholly subjective. Listen, learn and enjoy nature and wildlife. My original nature and wildlife photographs are featured in hospitals without ever winning a competition or being available from stock photo libraries.
Since lockdown, I’m regularly capturing photos and videos of Eurasian Otters and Common Kingfishers on the local river around sunrise (sometimes within 5 metres) and without using a hide. Both don’t appear to be aware I’m sitting there and both have even been present at the same time 😊
Hi Richard do you use the monitor for photography or just video ? Thanks
Hi there, only for video which makes things so much easier than the tiny rear lcd screen. Thanks very much for watching. 👍
Great shots as usual despite the focusing issues. I recently sat on the cliff top here on the isle of wight trying to photograph a peregrine over the sea and all the camera did was focus on the background. Never did get a good shot.
Safe journey home, look forward to more vlogs. Regards Mike
Thanks Mike, seems to have sorted itself out now, but it was a pain! Shame you got that problem, often happens with a small bird over the sea, but once it’s locked it should stay in focus! A right pain… thanks again my friend. 👍