What blind/hide should I get?

[Lindholdt]

Hi all.
I'm still quite new when it comes to bird photography, so I need some help choosing a blind that I can hide in. I just need one thats big enough for myself and my tripod. The cheaper the better :)

So any suggestions what to buy and where to buy it? (I live in Scandinavia, so I have to buy from a place that will ship overseas)
Or should I buy something other than a blind? All advice is welcome :)

Thanks in advance.

Daniel

[ducklabdad]

Buy you a roll of camoflague netting and use it in combination with natural vegetation. Hard to go wrong with that combo.

There are a lot of chair blinds, turkey hunting single blinds etc... but they would cost you more to ship than you can get some camo netting for and are not nearly as versatile.

[recrisp]

I second that, I use the camo netting that is rolled out by the yard at stores.
I usually find sticks to use as a way to prop it up, and it's draped over me and I can move about fairly freely.
It's light, small in size when rolled up, and you can wear it if you need to, I even used some for my 100-400L lens as a camo wrap.
It's the cheapest way I know, and so far, (a year) I love it, I'd love to use a tent type, but they are more cumbersome, and I don't like setting tents up, so I doubt this would be any better.

For a seat, I use some foam rubber in a plastic bag that can also be wrapped up, and it's really lightweight, a chair would be nice, but I kind'a like roughing it, I can stay in it for hours with no problem.

I cut a small hole to see through, and wear dark colors so I can't be seen easily.

Randy

[Lindholdt]

Thanks you both for your advice :)
Maybe I should just try with a camo net first.
Is this a ok size and price? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170415719739&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[BradM]

A local fabric/sewing store may carry the same or very similar product, even in Scandinavia at considerably cheaper pricing for the same amount of fabric.

[Mtn Breeze]

Hi Daniel,

Not sure how much you would like to spend but I use this one here....

http://www.ameristep.com/blinds/doghouse.html


I find it really good......portable in it's own back pack and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the build and materials.

Matt.

[recrisp]

Thanks you both for your advice :)
Maybe I should just try with a camo net first.
Is this a ok size and price? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170415719739&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I bought one really similar to what is on e-Bay the very first time, personally, I don't care for it that much as I do the MUCH cheaper version that is found in rolls.
The reason is, it snags on almost anything and everything, it's very frustrating to say the least, especially if you're in the dark setting it up, like is my case in the mornings.
This is a net with latex leaves attached, (I believe) it is more 3-dimensional than the fabric roll type, so it has more 'snag' power. heheh
(Mine even snags on brush as I walk around in the woods, as it's bulky, I guess I could have it contained in a bag, but I don't)
The roll fabric stuff I bought doesn't do this, at least as much, because it's not as 3-dimensional.
The price between the two (at least here in the states) is a LOT too, the net version is many times more expensive than the roll type.
(I bought my net type VERY used too, not that it makes a difference, but in price it did)
It's a personal preference really I guess, and you really won't know until you try it probably...
If this is something that you feel is what you're after, buy the cheapest one you can find, try it, that way, if you don't like it, you won't be out as much.

Here in the U.S., we have what is called, "Army & Navy stores", that's where I got both of mine, they sell used surplus stuff, but also new stuff, if that helps.

All you need is something to break up the human form, years ago I used to make my own camo hide, I just dragged branches and leaves, and piled them up like I wanted.
I have had small woodland birds land on me, so it must work pretty well, and it's free, I don't know your landscape there, but if that is something you can do, it's probably better.
(I have my own wooded lakefront property, so I could leave mine up all season)

In answer to your question of if that is a good price or not, I'll let someone 'over there' answer that, they can give you a better idea on pricing.

Just a few things that'll hopefully help you make that decision.:)

Randy

[Lindholdt]

Thanks a lot for you reply's. I think I'll give the net at ebay a shoot. I did look and find some Army stores here in Denmark, but they wont ship unless I buy for a certain amount which is a lot more than what a single net would cost me over ebay.
The tent looks good, but yesterday I accidentally hit another car while parking at my local gym, so I'm looking at a expense in the 700$ area for the repairs, so at the moment I can't afford a tent. Maybe later :)

Thanks again for all you replies, I really appreciate them :)

[recrisp]

Sorry about your accident, they never seem to come at a good time... heheh

When you choose your camo, if in person, check it to see how easy it is to snag on things, that is a big thing for me, my more expensive camo sucks because it snags, (as I mentioned already) and camo you can't (or don't want to) use ain't worth much. :)

Randy

[Lindholdt]

I'll be sure to check how much it snags :)