I have been using a tripod with Wimberley head and tripod stool covered with a camouflage bag hide that I purchased from outdoorphotographygear.co.uk. You can see it on their webpage. It is great for sun protection and insect protection ( it is made on insect netting). I think that the birds are fooled by it and come closer than they otherwise would. I am interested in the experience others have had with this type of hide.

I've been using a Kwik Camo cover for about six years now. I bought it when they were half the price they are now, thanks to the Ozzie dollar's drop.

If you are going to use your tripod at a height, it's a useful thing to have. I've had a Restless Fly catcher land on my head while I've been in one; and Balillons Crakes have pottered around my feet, having come in under neath the cover. So obviously they are effective and they are quick to set up.

My problem with them is two fold. You can't use them with your tripod down low. After all, it's the tripod that's making the frame for it and if you set it low, there's no room for you. At beaches, I'll often wrap the cover around my body, instead of a tripod, and lie down on the sand. If you wiggle your feet, it's not unusual for shorebirds to come and have a look at what's happening. They can come very close.

So there's a lot to like. However, a throw up spring framed bird hide isn't much bother to set up either, and you can move about freely in one. They can also be left out for a few days ( or as long as you like), so birds truly ignore them, and you, when you're in side. That's nice if you like natural images of birds being birds. Personally I've no taste for bird photos with fake backgrounds or that have been called up by playback, such as Alan Murphy (http://www.alanmurphyphotography.com/) likes to use, and is now a common feature of many photographer's methods. Always spectacular, but I prefer natural pictures and behavior. The Kuik Camo is one good way to get them.