Blindsided

Adventures in a floating hide

- By Thinus Van Staden

The first morning's test run. The hide is suitably camouflaged by the surrounding grasses.

While clicking through albums from 2020, I opened a file that immediately made me chuckle. The story started during first lockdown, when I saw amazing bird photographs on a website called Floating Hide Photography. After a quick Google search, I realized that I wouldn't be able to get my hands on one of their hides any time soon. So I started with drawings, did a little planning and managed to construct one from PVC, wood and camo netting.

Running on water, a White-backed Duck takes off.

My first attempt in May didn't begin too well. While making my way through shallow water, the ground suddenly disappeared from beneath my feet and I sank into the freezing water just long enough for my waders to change into a wetsuit. Luckily my camera gear was safe and I could continue my adventure, albeit shivering with cold and staying closer to the water's edge. I found a good spot and managed to take the first photographs from my floating hide. I was amazed that the birds seemed mostly unaware of me. At times a Black Crake and Little Grebe came closer than the 4.5 metres my Canon 500mm lens could handle. It worked better than I had dreamed it would.

The author with the floating hide in the background.