Owls like this are uncommon in Britain- so I visited a falconry display centre. Capturing “birds in flight” is a whole sub-genre of wildlife photography; and a good display gives fabulous opportunities to practice technique.
Catching the decisive moment is the key to success.
Unlike a film set, there was no Director shouting “3-2-1- Action!” You have to watch carefully and practice until you get it right. This magnificent owl was food-oriented. The falconer held a small bait-piece on her gauntlet, held it high, then without warning the owl lunges off his perch and swoops very swiftly for the target. See how the owl’s gaze is precise? Owls have brilliant eyesight and superb hunting skills.
I rather like the reds and yellows of the roof tiles behind the bird: it adds a certain “something” to the story, and the greys of the barn wall make the owl’s face stand out beautifully.
Watching and photographing hawks & owls is great fun. Do you know what is even better? When YOU are given the gauntlet (with basic training) and the owl flies to YOU and lands silently on your wrist. I can’t even begin to describe the sensation… the mastery of flight, superb accuracy and single-minded intensity make the experience totally unforgettable.
Instant readiness makes success possible.
“3-2-1- Action!”
1 Peter 3:15
“You must worship Christ as Lord of your life.
And if someone asks about your hope as a believer,
always be ready to explain it.”
The Reflectionary 