“I think this hide is great value for money.”

“If, like me, you’ve spent time trying to conceal yourself from your wildlife subjects, then doubtless you will have found yourself wrestling with scrim, and swearing and cursing as it gets caught on tripods, zippers and Velcro. The other extreme – and until now the only solution – would be to buy a ‘blind’ – a wildlife hide with many of the complexities associated with putting up a tent – a puzzle of poles and guy ropes. As well as often confounding the wildlife watcher/photographer, the whole set-up was both expensive and heavy.

I’ve been aware of these Stealth Gear hides for a year or so now and judging by the high demand, they seem to have caught on – and for good reasons.

It’s a robust camping chair design with a fan of hoops that unfurl from behind and over the seat. This in turn drags with it the polyester fabric of the hide itself. There is a little mesh pocket on one of the arms for your beer, which also can function as a lens holder – pity it doesn’t have two of them! The whole caboodle comes in a Camo-Tree design (photo-realistic leaves and bark, and woodland scenes) which in my experience works, pretty much anywhere, to break up the outline of the unit – and, almost as importantly, hides the contraption and the watcher from the unwanted attentions of his own species!

I found it best to sit in the chair with my gear in front of me and simply flip the hide over my head. Once inside it can be a little fiddly, and your personal organisation is tested a little, but so it is in any blind. If you have big elbows, lots of gear, a mate or intend to be waiting a long while, consider the two-seat option, otherwise you might find it a little too cosy for comfort. But the one-man works very well for me.

There are five apertures through which you can peer or shove a telephoto lens, all of which can be opened or closed easily with Velcro attachments, either opening them fully or leaving a printed mesh panel in place which enables the hide user to see out, while nothing can see in. The five windows are adequate enough, but you can’t see behind – which would on occasion be useful. That said, it would be a bit challenging to turn around even if there were a rear-facing window, especially with a hide full of gear. If full, all-round vision is what you require then this is available in the two-seat version.

The hide comes with a bag of ground pegs, also in a Camo-Tree design. Come on guys, you put the bag down in the long grass because you are in a rush to set up, and of course the wind starts to blow and where are your pegs to secure the thing to the ground as it fills up like a balloon and its skirts start to ruffle uncontrollably in the breeze? In a camouflage bag! Which is where? Somewhere in the long grass, doing its best to be not to be seen… I’ve attached a piece of orange baler twine now I’ve recovered it, so hopefully this won’t happen again.

Slight niggles: stitching holes let through pinpricks of daylight, and water does come spattering through in a torrential downpour. Leaving the hide is difficult – keeping your set-up and not totally blowing your cover requires agility and contortional abilities that are beyond most naturalists over 40! But having said that, all these problems can be applied to all but the most expensive hides and blinds I’ve used, so on balance I think this hide is great value for money.

(Note: if you have children and are fed up with the gaudy primary coloured plastic wendy house that jars with your aesthetic sensibilities then there is a hidden bonus to this hide – 4 year olds love them! And being made of camouflage material, you can sit it in the corner near the shrubbery and barely notice it’s there. It kept my daughter occupied for hours!)”

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Popularity: 31% [?]

As usual, the NHBS ornithology list has expanded over the last year to incorporate many fantastic new books for birdwatchers, conservation workers, and ecologists. We hope you enjoy browsing these, alongside featured classics and bestsellers. The Editor’s Choice selections pick out the very best recent and forthcoming titles in each main subject area.

Our wildlife equipment range is always growing – now over 2000 items – and you will find all the best bird-related gear on the Nest Boxes and Wildlife Kit pages of the catalogue.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

Doug Mackenzie Dodds, from the UK, reviews the Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Martin Townsend and Paul Waring, illustrated by Richard Lewington

“Best, most user-friendly moth ID guide on the market:

This book might not catch your eye on the shelf – small, paperback and easily hidden between larger, more attractively-designed moth ID books, but if you are into your moths, I’d thoroughly recommend it.

It’s perfect for the bookshelf but comes into its own in the field. It’s small, light, covered in a waterproof layer, the moths are well-ordered in the book, lifesize and in the two years I’ve owned it it’s not let me down once.

Its very comprehensive – ie. if you trap a moth (or find one!) – you will find it in this book – and so much easier than other, larger, showier, less waterproof, less well-ordered books.

I thoroughly recommend this book if you own a moth trap or even if you don’t.”

Visit this reviewer’s website

Read our blog post about Robinson moth traps

Share your views with NHBS customers around the world – click here to create a product review

Customer reviews can be read in the ‘Reviews’ tab on each product page and here on the Hoopoe

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Popularity: 13% [?]

Choosing a nest box for birds

Nest boxes are an increasingly important tool in helping to reverse the decline of many bird species. With such a broad range of nest boxes available, we’ve put together a table to help you to find the right nest box regardless of where you live and what species you’d like to help.

Check out the species-by-species table of nest boxes

Five FAQs About Attracting Birds To Your Nest Box

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Popularity: 11% [?]

EcoObs’ Batcorder is the first of a new generation of autonomous bat recording devices designed to produce higher quality recording and automated identification. The key benefits of the Batcorder system are:

1 .Save time and reduce costs

By automatically analysing bat calls, the Batcorder will save you significant amounts of time.  The exceptional quality of recordings made by the Batcorder means you can be more certain of correctly identifying a species either automatically or manually.  Automatic species identifications can be carried out in a few minutes (watch our short video to see the process in action).

2. Higher quality recordings

The unique omni-directional microphone, as well as the reduction in echoes from the main body of the unit, ensure a clear picture of bat activity at the recording site.  The sensitive bat call trigger ensures that the vast majority of recordings made by the Batcorder are from bats.  Recordings of other sounds (crickets, rustling leaves, water, wind and wind turbine movements) are under most circumstances not recorded at all.

3. Consistent results

In contrast to other bat detectors, each Batcorder and its microphone are calibrated for a fixed sensitivity.  Thus, the comparison of bat activity recorded at different locations is guaranteed to be unbiased.

4. Flexible autonomous use

The Batcorder is a weatherproof autonomous recording device designed to be left in the field for multiple nights.  It has a typical battery life of 6-10 nights (based on the level of activity at the site), and space for 30,000 calls (when using a 32GB SDHC card).  A special Wind Turbine Extension Kit allows continuous deployments in excess of 30 days to minimise the need to access the in situ Batcorder.

5. Designed by bat workers

The entire Batcorder System has been designed by bat workers for bat workers.  It’s user-friendly with an intuitive powerful call management system, allowing you to download, analyse, catalogue and search for calls easily.  You don’t need to go on a training course to get started with the Batcorder.

The Batcorder is distributed in the UK & Ireland by NHBS. If you’d like to find out more, please contact Dr Adrian Gude, NHBS Wildlife Equipment Specialist.

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Popularity: 20% [?]

We’ve added Paramo clothing to our unbeatable range of environmental equipment as we believe it to be the perfect choice of clothing for those who spend substantial amounts of time outside. A whole host of nature professionals havealready adopted Paramo for work and leisure including cameramen and sound recordists such as Mark Carwardine, Philip Lovel and Stephen Moss; wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers such as John Aitchison and landscape and wildlife photographers including Joe Cornish and Andy Rouse, Charlie Waite and Ben Osborne.

So what makes Paramo clothing so good?

Simple but very clever Paramo fabrics are designed specifically to ‘direct’ water away so you keep comfortable and dry – from reversible, next-to-the-skin, stretchy Parameta T fabric to the ultimate outer all-weather protection of Nikwax Analogy.  Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric is based on mammal fur – just as an otter or bear keeps warm and dry in the very worst of weather, the fabric structure moves water away from you and traps air to keep you warm.

Paramo fabrics work harder….

• Keeping the weather out.
• Removing perspiration and condensation more effectively when you’re working hard.
• Whatever the conditions – even in high humidity when conventional waterproofs give up.

But feel better….

• Quieter – they’re soft, supple and rustle-free.
• Warmer and cosier – no hard, crisp-packet feel, comfy enough to wear all day or even to sleep in!

And last longer….

• No membranes or coatings to break down over time.
• Indefinitely renewable with Nikwax aftercare.
• Repairable with a needle and thread.
• Puncture doesn’t compromise performance.

And the best bit – it’s even ethically produced!

Paramo’s production facility was established in 1992 in Bogotá, Colombia, as part of a valuable social programme from the charitable Miquelina Foundation. The little sewing machine workshop set up by a nun has grown into an efficient garment factory, providing employment, training and practical help for ‘at risk’ women wanting to improve their lives. The factory profits are reinvested in equipment but also are able to fund a housing project, a virtual library, a kindergarten and a canteen for local children.

For every Paramo jacket bought a sapling is donated to Trees for Life to help reforestation of the Caledonian forest.

Halcon Jacket

• Available in Mens and Ladies versions.
• Nine pockets, including large front pockets for binoculars, camera gear, etc.
• Soft, quiet, waterproof Nikwax fabric.
• Fleece-lined collar, handwarming pockets, upper arm vents and two way zips.

Taiga Fleece

• A cosy fleece perfect for long days in the hide.
• Unisex design with water-repellent outer layer.
• Two large chest pockets to hold maps, guidebooks, camera equipment, etc.

Cambia Zip Neck Top

• Available in Mens and Ladies versions.
• An excellent base layer that will keep you warm and dry.
• Superb wicking properties.

A Choice of Waterproof and Weatherproof Trousers

Mens Pajaro Trousers: waterproof legwear comfortable enough for all day use.

Unisex Torres Trousers: weatherproof trousers with excellent insulation.

Ladies Cascada Trousers: waterproof legwear designed to be worn all day next to the skin.

Click here to view the entire range of Paramo clothing.

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Popularity: 19% [?]

To find out how the Batcorder System works, watch the 6 minute demonstration video.  This video will revolutionise your bat work!  CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

The Batcorder and associated software is the most advanced bat detection and identification system available.  Fast becoming the most popular choice in continental Europe, the Batcorder is set to revolutionise your bat work.  Read on for a brief introduction to the Batcorder system and how it could benefit you.

Step 1.  Batcorder – advanced data recorder

The Batcorder is the most advanced sound recorder available; such a high quality recording is essential for later analysis using the automatic recognition software.  It records bat calls in real-time, whilst excluding other sounds such as crickets, rustling leaves, etc.  Simply leave the Batcorder out in the field (battery life is 8 to 10 nights) and it will make high quality recordings (500kHz / 16 bit) of every bat call.  Calls are recorded on an SDHC card (up to 32GB).  The Batcorder is waterproof and fully programmable.  Most importantly, the Batcorder features an omnidirectional microphone mounted on an extender.  This eliminates reflection from the main body of the device whilst maintaining 360 degree coverage.  The slim microphone tip minimises distortion, which can be a problem with other detectors that have wider microphone membranes.

Step 2. bcAdmin – call management software

Once you’ve got your recordings, bcAdmin provides an intuitive software package to manage the data.  Individual calls are stored in connection with location, call length, time and other information.  Search functions exist to aid in finding individual calls.  Most importantly, bcAdmin automatically prepares the data for analysis using batIdent.  Once the analysis is complete, bcAdmin can present the data in a variety of forms to provide instant graphical representation of bat activity.

Step 3. batIdent – free analysis software

At a click of the button, bcAdmin will import bat calls into batIdent, the freely available call analysis software.  batIdent has a call library of 77,000 bat calls (and counting!) which can be used to identify 27 species from 11 genera (with some species only to genus).  Utilising the freely available statistical package R, batIdent performs single call analysis in a multi step process.  Illustrated below is the decision tree which it uses to identify bats.  The tree also shows which bats can be identified by batIdent to species and which bats to genus.  Currently the call library covers all mid and northern European species and most Mediterranean species.  During a typical analysis, batIdent will identify 85% of the calls recorded.  The remaining 15% will be excluded as the recording is of insufficient quality or duration to make a positive identification.  Up to three species can be identified in any one recording and a percentage probability is provided for each species identification.

Step 4. bcAnalyse – manual analysis software

For those wanting to perform additional manual analysis on calls, the additional software package bcAnalyse is also available.  bcAnalyse lets you view the oszillogram, spectrum and sonogram of the sound file.  The user friendly design means you can quickly browse calls and select sound to be transformed into a sonogram or spectral display.  bcAnalyse allows you to manually confirm batIdent results or analyse recordings made using other systems.

Step 5. Economies of Scale

The Batcorder system scales effortlessly for large projects.  Each microphone is supplied with a correction factor, so recordings from different Batcorders can be directly compared.  Check out the Wind Turbine Extension to find out how the Batcorder can be deployed for wind farm studies.  bcAdmin and batIdent eliminate the time taken for lengthy call analysis.  Both the Batcorder and software packages have a proven track record and are on their second or third versions following improvements from earlier versions. 

Click on the relevant link for more information on the Batcorder, Software and Accessories.

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Popularity: 22% [?]

Please note, the sale of mist nets is restricted to those with an appropriate licence or permit. Please provide a copy when ordering.

NHBS offers a range of mist nets to meet specific requirements when catching bats or birds.  All of our mist nets are manufactured to high standards and feature the following advantages;

• Net design is based on more than 30 years experience.
• All nets are made from the highest quality nylon and polyester netting.
• All nets are black and UV sun-protected; the material and colours are durable and long-lasting.
• The special knots used in all our nets help to prevent the loops and shelf strings from moving.
• The construction with positioning strings prevents wind shift of the netting.
• Each net comes with a cotton bag.

New Loops

All designs of net have recently been upgraded with new loops.  Net loops are now marked with an indelible serial number to help track nets used illegally.  The serial number is placed on one of the colour loops and on the product label as well.  The new mist net loops are longer and stronger than previous designs.  Top loops are colour-coded and equipped with stoppers to make fast setting easier.  The new loops are also compatible with the telescopic mist net pole .

Understanding the Terminology

Net Dimensions

All net dimensions are given without loops and stretched to a standard tension.  Nets of 3m are ideal for paths and small clearings, whilst nets in excess of 15m in length require careful setting.  You should also ensure enough competent helpers are on hand to deal with large numbers of catches experienced by large nets.

Mesh Size

This is measured by one side of the square mesh, e.g. 16mm refers to a 16 x 16mm square mesh.  The mesh size should be ideally suited to your chosen target species.  If the mesh size is too small, the bat or bird may escape.  If the mesh size is too large, the bat or bird may become overly tangled in the net.  You also risk catching non-target species.  Target species for each net are provided in the product description.

Shelves

The number of shelves (given in the product description) refers to the number of rows of shelves on the net.  Nets of up to three shelves are tethered on a single shelf strand to prevent wind bunching the netting.  Nets with four or five shelves feature two tethered strands.

Denier and Ply

The denier and ply of a net provide an indication of the thickness, visibility and strength of the net.  Denier refers to the weight in grams of 9000 metres of thread.  Ply refers to the number of threads of a given denier wound round one another to make the fibre of the net.  The smaller the denier and ply, the lighter and thinner the net, e.g. a 70 denier/2 ply net is lighter, less visible, but normally less strong than a 210 denier/3 ply net.  However, differing materials can confound this relationship, e.g. polyester is heavier than nylon so the same denier net will be finer in polyester than in nylon.

Choosing a Mist Net

A mist net must be ideally suited to the target species, location and conditions of use.  To select the appropriate mist net, follow the stages below;

1. WHAT DO YOU INTEND TO CATCH?

Search the product pages to find all the nets suited to your chosen group.  Mist nets have been divided into four groups;

Mist Nets for Bats: includes all species of bats

Mist Nets for Small Birds: includes all small passerines

Mist Nets for Medium-sized Birds: includes medium-sized passerines, waders, small ducks, small to medium terns, small owls, small raptors

Mist Nets for Large Birds: includes medium to big waders, owls, medium to big raptors, medium to big ducks, geese and cormorants.

2. CHOOSE BETWEEN NET TYPES

There are several net types to choose between, although not every net type will be found in every group of target individuals.

Ultra Thin Series M Mist Net

These nearly invisible ultra-thin monofilament nylon nets are perfect for catching the smallest birds (e.g. hummingbirds) and small bat species such as Pipstrellus sp.  They are available in two mesh sizes (14 and 20mm).

Series 700P (polyester) Mist Net

These polyester nets are recommended for catching small bats and birds.  They are barely visible and can be used in any habitat, including open areas.  The polyester fibre in UV resistant and does not absorb moisture.  In the morning or after rain, just shake the net to remove droplets.  A well-stretched net has only one layer (no pockets) and bats are less likely to echolocate it than a nylon net.  The polyester is also stronger and more durable than nylon.

Series 700 Mist Net

This classic design of net is deep black, UV stable and softer than polyester.  They can be used for catching birds and bats in all kinds of habitat, including open areas.  They are both popular and effective.

Series 1000 Mist Net

These nets are stronger and more durable than the Series 700 mist nets.  They are ideal for long term use; they remain as strong and as black as new after 500 days of continuous exposure in the field.  They are more visible than the Series 700 nets, so we recommend that they be set in front of trees or bushes to decrease visibility and to increase their effectiveness.  They are very safe for birds and effectively catch small to medium-sized species.

Series 2000 Mist Net

These nets are very strong and durable and are primarily designed to catch relatively big birds.  They are more visible than the Series 700 and 1000 nets so are most effective when used in shadow when the netting is less visible.  The 19mm mesh size nets are most suited to catching birds at night, such as when using recorded calls.

3. CHOOSING SPECIFIC NETS

Once you’ve settled on your chosen net type to catch your target species, you should then consider the dimensions of the net.  The mesh size should be ideally suited to the target species (see above).  The length of the net should suit its location (e.g. path, clearing, open habitat) and the size of catch required.  Make sure there are helpers to properly monitor the whole net.  Consider the height of the net and number of shelves, the type and height of the vegetation in your sample area, as well as light conditions.

4.  ERECTING THE NET

Finally, ensure the net is erected properly on suitable poles, such as the telescopic mist net pole.  Nets may stretch over time so if left in place for prolonged periods, they must be tightened to keep the net taut.  Ensure the nets are protected from overstretching – using a Mounting Set with rubber rope can help prevent this.

If you require any further information then please contact us.  Mist nets are for use by trained ringers; you will need to supply a copy of your appropriate licence or permit when ordering.

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Popularity: 52% [?]

When it comes to investigating the wonderful world of butterflies the first thing you’ll need is a butterfly net.  When choosing a net, the most important thing is being able to use it!  Practice makes perfect when it comes to safely and successfully netting butterflies.  Not only do you want to avoid injuring yourself and others around you, but it is very important not to injure the butterfly.  Butterfly wings are delicate and cannot heal themselves if they are damaged.  Similarly, squashing the butterfly with the edge of your net is equally damaging!

There are two things you can do to avoid hurting butterflies.  Firstly, choose a net with a lightweight mesh material which will not damage the wings.  All the butterfly nets available at NHBS feature such a lightweight mesh.  Secondly, practise your swing on a small object; place a stone on the ground and practice swinging the net over the stone, ensuring the stone ends up in the centre of the net.  Once you’re happy with your aim, then you’re ready to go.  Ideally your net should be suited to your size.  A large net in the hands of a small person may be too difficult to control.  The handle length should be long enough for you to net the butterfly without spooking it, but not too long to make the net too difficult to control.  Some nets come with adjustable handles, allowing you to customise your net to your preference.

For those wanting to get closer to butterflies, NHBS has two butterfly kits; a Starter and Advanced kit.  The Starter kit will allow you to net butterflies, examine them in a magnifying pot and use the beautifully illustrated guide to identify common species.  The Advanced Kit features our most popular net, the crushable butterfly net.  This folds up to fit in your pocket – a handy feature especially when travelling.  The free standing bug cage will allow you to study individuals for greater lengths of time, whilst minimising stress to the butterfly.  If you plan to keep the butterflies in the cage for a significant amount of time, ensure you provide some vegetation for sustenance and shelter.  A supply of fresh-cut flowers in water or a dish containing a sponge filled with diluted honey solution work well.  You can even use fruit juice or fresh- cut melon, although it must be fresh so should be replaced each day.

Remember to release all individuals back into the wild.  Many butterfly species are under threat and some are very rare.  We can all enjoy butterflies without impacting on wild populations by this approach.

NHBS stocks a complete range of beginners, professional, economy, deluxe, small, large and folding butterfly nets.

Starter Butterfly Kit

Advanced Butterfly Kit

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Popularity: 15% [?]

1. Record bird and wildlife sounds in the field

The RememBird II allows you to record bird sound in the field. It fits snugly below your roof prism binoculars and is easily operated by a simple joystick button contol. The microphone works in a continuous loop recording mode so that your RememBird is ‘always listening’ – so you don’t have to scramble to catch the beginning of the calls you hear.

2. Keep your eyes on the action

The RememBird has a second micropohone which allows you to whisper notes about what you’re watching without stopping to look down at your notebook.

3. Listen to region-specific audio field guides through the built-in speaker or using headphones

Each RememBird comes pre-loaded with a regional audio field guide: European (in English or French), North American or Australian.

4. Manage your wildlife field recordings

The sophisticated software (available for PC and Mac users) allows you to manage your wildlife recordings,  log and identify species heard and build your own audio field guides for use in the field.

5. The RememBird II builds on the huge popularity of the RememBird I – including new features designed with users’ feedback in mind

Praise for Remembird I

For the size of the package, the RememBird provides a remarkably good recording (definitely adequate for identification later) and a convenient way of recording those valuable field notes. – American Bird Association

A marvelous innovation to take us into the next new frontier of birdwatching. – Martin Garner

Its versatility and ease of rapid use will make a real difference both for the professional and for the serious birder… You will quickly come to see how useful this is and will want to make sure it’s always to hand. - Ricard Gutiérrez, www.rarebirdspain.net

Is it worth it? Yes. It’s great for recording on-the-spot details of sightings while at the same time helping you to get to grips with bird sounds. – Dominic Couzens, BBC Wildlife Magazine

Designed 100% for birders, it would also be fantastic on safari, especially at night, for listening to the sounds of the bush. Elephants’ rumbles, bush baby shrieks and leopard coughs would all come through beautifully. - Wildlife Extra

Find out more about the RememBird II

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Popularity: 18% [?]