DOUNE PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Studio Hide at Doune: An intimate, daylight portrait studio for red squirrels
A private 3.5-hour hide at Argaty Red Kites that gives photographers close, multi-hatch views of acrobatic red squirrels in a woodland setting.
Studio Hide at Doune: An intimate, daylight portrait studio for red squirrels.
The Studio Hide at Doune is a purpose-built woodland blind where red squirrels come to specially designed raised perches and floor-level hatches, offering photographers an intimate window on acrobatic feeding behaviour and the chance for close, eye‑level portraits in comfortable seating.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Red squirrels at eye level
The hide is arranged around raised perches and multiple hatches so squirrels leap in full view for food; floor‑level and side hatches give opportunities for eye‑to‑eye portraits and close encounters with other woodland birds.
Multiple viewing hatches and raised perches
A main viewing window is complemented by a floor-level hatch and a side hatch with an eye-level perch beside the hide, designed to maximise compositional variety and intimate portraits.
Comfortable working space for photographers
The Studio Hide provides comfortable seating and space for tripods or monopods, plus shelving for hand‑held work so photographers can focus on timing the squirrels’ acrobatic leaps.
What the day feels like
What the session feels like
Over a concentrated 3.5‑hour private session you settle into the hide and watch as red squirrels visit raised perches and hatches to feed, giving extended opportunities to capture jumps, portraits and close behavioural images from different vantage points.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private hide suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The private Studio Hide session runs for 3.5 hours; note there will be a price increase from October 1st, 2024.
Bring a short focal‑length lens for close, eye‑level shots as well as a longer lens for action and perching behaviour; there is space for tripods/monopods and a shelf for hand‑held work.
The hide offers comfortable seating, shelf space and tripod/monopod room so you can work steadily through different hatches and perches.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Studio Hide session?
The session lasts 3.5 hours.
Is this a private hide?
Yes — this is a private hide experience at Argaty Red Kites.
Are there any age restrictions?
Participants must be aged 18 or over.
What photography kit should I bring?
Bring a short focal‑length lens for close portraits and a longer lens for perches and action; tripods or monopods are accommodated and shelving is provided for hand‑held shooting.
How close can the wildlife get?
Wildlife can come very close, with floor‑level hatches offering opportunities for eye‑to‑eye photography.
Is the approach difficult?
The approach requires walking across fields and a short walk through woodland to reach the hide.