Summer 2008

Here’s a taster of the Scotland Outdoors launch issue, Summer 2008. Also check out the Online Feature accompanying this issue – secrets from wildlife photographer Philip Price. If you’d like to receive a copy of this back issue, please contact us.

Cover feature: Natural high – Scotland has made great strides forward in developing green tourism, but is a more integrated approach still required?

Download and read this feature (PDF, 322kB)

	Adrenaline: Mud, sweat and tears – the Mighty Deerstalker in the Borders is one of several new adventure events that have sprung up around the country.Download and read this feature (PDF, 176kB)
	Conservation: Work wild – looking for a different kind of break? Conservation volunteering can make for an invigorating escape from the day job.Download and read this feature (PDF, 299kB)
	Explore: Cairngorms – celebrating the natural diversity of Scotland’s largest National Park
	Mountain biking: Head for the hills – there’s so much more to Southern Scotland than just its dedicated trail centres
	Wildlife: Island race – wildlife fun for all ages on the Isle of May
photos: VisitScotland (Natural high); Ida Maspero (Mud, sweat and tears); National Trust for Scotland (Work wild); Emma Guy (Head for the hills)

Philip Price shares the secrets that helped capture the stunning nature photography featured in this issue’s Spring loaded feature.

	Swallow feeding young on wire outside house Preparation: Watching Swallow nest in garage, watching garage surroundings Investigation: Discover telephone wire favourite perch for youngsters; slow approach works fine The Shoot: Camera mounted on tripod on top of a stepladder for eye-level view; back lighting; sunny evening Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 1.4X converter. ISO 200, aperture F5.6, shutter speed 1/1000th second
	Drone fly mating ritual in garden Preparation: Planting spring and summer flowering flora Investigation: Walking in garden observing behaviour of drone flies. One fly feeds on flower always with another hovering above following mating ritual. Decide on which flower most visited The Shoot: Camera next to most popular flower; camera mounted on tripod; wait until drones return Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 150mm macro lens. ISO 200, aperture F3.2, shutter speed 1/1000th second
	Slow worm in garden Preparation: Pile of grass cuttings placed in garden Investigation: Rummaging through grass pile The Shoot: Camera on beanbag at eye level with subject; sun behind; grass returned to pile at end of shoot Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 150mm macro lens. ISO 125, aperture F5, shutter speed 1/25th second
	Tufted duck attracted by food on Glasgow Canal Preparation: Regular jogging route along Maryhill section of canal Investigation: Watching people feed ducks, best chance of getting close The Shoot: Recruited partner to throw food; camera on beanbag; location as close to water’s edge as possible; sun behind; orange reflection from building on water Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 2X converter. ISO 200, aperture F8, shutter speed 1/160th second
	Wood Warbler calling Preparation: Walking in the local woods regularly Investigation: Observing wood warbler; highly territorial, thus calls and stays in one place using specific branches The Shoot: Camera on tripod; no hide just slow movements; stay in one location next to warbler’s favourite perches Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 1.4X converter. ISO 200, aperture F5.6, shutter speed 1/320th second
	Fledgling Kestrel on ruins of old house Preparation: Talk to local landowner who spotted kestrel nest in garden; regular visits to nest site, with observation from landowner’s house Investigation: Fledged chick remained at nest site; parents leave for long periods at a time; slow approach does not affect behaviour of chick The Shoot: Camera mounted on tripod; flash used to balance background brightness; background far away (angle so wall not the background); slow approach while parents not there; finish before parents return Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 1.4X converter. ISO 200, aperture F5.6, shutter speed 1/50th second, flash
	Common tern flying with fish, Oban Bay Preparation: Internet research, plus local SNH officer and RSPB Investigation: Walks along waterfront observing different hunting locations and how often repeated. Discovered one bay where the birds hunted throughout the day with sporadic breaks The Shoot: Camera mounted on tripod in water with camera just above surface; wetsuit; early morning start. Wait for birds to come to me Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm. ISO 200, aperture F5, shutter speed 1/3200th second
	Black guillemot pair bonding ritual, Oban Bay Preparation: Internet research, plus local SNH officer and RSPB Investigation: Walks along waterfront observing different behaviour and their locations. Decided on stunning pair displaying bonding ritual next to north pier The Shoot: Camera on beanbag; early morning start; wait in one location for birds to come to me Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 1.4X converter. ISO 200, aperture F5.6, shutter speed 1/1250th second
	Black guillemot peering out of nesting drain, Oban Bay Preparation: Internet research, plus local SNH officer and RSPB Investigation: Walks along waterfront observing different nest holes to see which are most frequently visited The Shoot: Camera on tripod; early morning start; wait next to most popular drain Tech: Canon 1Dmk2, Sigma 500mm lens with 1.4X converter. ISO 200, aperture F5.6, shutter speed 1/500th second