Brendan,


I a collapsible blind made by Ameristep called "the outhouse". http://www.ameristep.com/blinds/outhouse.html


The frame is sort of springy so that it opens up automatically and you stake it down to the ground. Fits one person if you're using a tripod and small chair. I use a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, I had a Slik aluminum one but it didn't really perform very well....I get MUCH sharper images since upgrading to the Gitzo.


I use suet cages hanging from a pole feeder, I haven't noticed much difference in the type of suet, I buy the cheapest I can find. Make sure you keep 'em full all the time to keep birds coming.


I use old tree limbs scrounged from the woods behind the house as perches, try to find one that has some rot or fungus on it..it looks better....and I useplastic christmas tree holders (you can get 'em cheap right after the holidays) to hold the perches and also to allow me to position them easily. Some people also use small water features with drips or running water to attract birds. Audio can also be used : http://www.birdjam.com/


I try to position the perch in the bird's flight path as they approach the feeder and then place the blind about 15 feet or so away from the perch, taking care to get the best sun angle and the best background for the shot. Obviously the best light is very early and very late in the day usually so you have to change the setup accordingly. Sometimes light overcast will give a good diffused light all day.


I get in the blind and line the camera up on the perch, take some test shots to get the histogram rightwith the camera settings I want and then wait. When a bird lands on the perch you have to try to take the shot with minimal movement....sound often doesn't scare them away but panning the camera usually will. Take a ton of shots and concentrate on exposure technique.Learning to use fill flash is also worthwhile, it helps to get better detail and sharpness in many cases.


If you want to see the ultimate way to do this : http://www.alanmurphyphotography.com/


So, that's the low down on set ups!