Pro Day

I spent last Sunday at the Hawk Conservancy near Andover as part of a photographic workshop with professional photographer, Oliver Smart. If I may quote their website, the Hawk Conservancy is 'a conservation charity and award winning visitor centre that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey'. Certainly, the site is impressive and for a chilly November day, surprisingly busy. My main reason for being here was to learn a few bits and pieces from Oliver and that certainly happened (histograms, who knew!). 
Clearly, these are captive birds and no great skill required on my part to capture these images but the pictures themselves are attractive and the birds magnificent. It was certainly a privilege being so close to these stunning creatures.

Barn Owl

This Barn Owl occupied our first hour or so, a very patient soul indeed as was the handler. The owl was followed by a young kestrel, so young that the handler wasn't totally sure of the sex. She (I am going with that) was rather gorgeous and some increased understanding of depth of field, resulted in this image with a bit of autumn colour as a backdrop.

Kestrel

By way of a change, here is an attempted flight shot of a New Zealander called a Boobook Owl, described to me as an NZ version of a Tawny.

Boobook Owl

Tawny Owl

These next images are taken from the flying display that followed a welcome lunch. The black kite is bit 'grainy' but included anyway as it is a beauty. 

Black Kite

Snowy Owl

Griffon Vulture

Red Kite to finish with and something of an old stager this one. Some of her wild cousins put in an appearance overlooking the flying display.

Red Kite