During the winter months I explored my new surroundings by walking the local lanes and tracks. Here in Creuse, I am very lucky to be surrounded by lots of countryside, so I set about searching out good locations for photographing wildlife. One day, I came across a field with an old neglected orchard, not far from home. As the track petered out before disappearing down into a river valley, I found myself staring across this open space and began to imagine possibilities, even on such a gloomy and chilly day. It was such a peaceful place, totally isolated and with a great view. I knew insects and birds would be attracted to the ancient fruit trees and I could hear a buzzard calling as it swept through the wooded valley below me. There were also deer trails meandering through the clumps of Broom and shrubs.
After some enquiries with the local residents, I tracked down the owner and called him. He turned out to be a charming elderly French gentleman, who had sold his house in the area, but the field had been left behind and was now deserted. Without hesitation, he gave me permission to use it.
So the next challenge was to find a suitable spot for my photography. After working out the position of the sun at different times of the day and making sure I had an appropriate background for my shots, I chose an area close to the trees. I have a Simon King Wildlife Hide*, which is a relatively easy piece of kit to put up and provides all-round viewing, with a choice of openings. I find the low level section a real bonus.
At the bottom of the orchard was a pile of discarded wood left over from the logging of the adjacent land that continues down to the river, which is a tributary of the Petite Creuse. I found some ideal posts to use as natural-looking perches and dug them in around the hide in various positions. When I was happy that all angles were covered, I bated everything with food to tempt the birds. I know from experience that it can take a week or two before the wildlife gets used to a new structure, but the hide is nicely camouflaged and did not look out of place amongst the trees.
Next, all I had to do was to wait patiently for the birds to come, and over the last couple of weeks they have been doing just that. Great Tits were the first to show, but I have also seen Cirl Buntings, Blue Tits and Robin landing on the posts and perches. I put up a trail-cam and now have some video of a young stag that seems to visit regularly. I'm sure it won't be long before I have some nice photographs to show for my efforts.
In the meantime, the spring weather has not been the best for photography and we have had some nasty frosts - bad for the French vineyards. However, the warmth is beginning to return and the landscape is turning green again. The Swallows have arrived and the trees in the orchard are now beginning to blossom. I've been told there are Hoopoes to be seen in the summer. Lots to look forward to.
* I am not sponsored to promote any products.
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