Raptor Portraits from Sunday's Photography Day

Forgot that when using an SLR rather than Compact system camera you don't get exposure simulation so had a whole series of overexposed Goshawk images but like the results so sharing them here with other portraits from the day.

Rutland Owls Part 2

A few more owl pictures from a visit to the Rutland Owl Centre - some with a bit of creative license! The owls are housed within an old poplar wood so had interesting backgrounds to cope with.

Rutland Owls part 1

A visit to Rutland Hawk and Owl Centre today gave plenty of opportunities for bird portraits. Amazing variety of facial markings and eyes. More to follow!

Barn Owls at Lakenheath RSPB

 Thrilled to see and photograph (albeit rather distant) a barn owl in wonderful warm evening light at RSPB Lakenheath. We were also lucky to see a pair of Cranes in flight, a Bittern and various Harriers coming into roost.

Yet More Owls

I think this might be becoming an obsession - another trip to view the Short-eared Owls. This time the light went quite quickly but gave some attractive dusk shots.

Owls at Sunset II

Three images taken as the sun went down and a collage of a squabble between two owls.

Owls at Sunset I

Once the wind dropped this afternoon, we went over to see if the Short-eared Owls would be flying and were rewarded with views of maybe up to 10 birds quartering the various parts of the Fen.

Windy Wicken

Very windy at the Fen yesterday - only one owl took to the air but it had such unusual light plumage that I have posted it anyway.

Barn Owls in Norfolk

Today I revisited the site where I saw a barn owl leave the barn yesterday evening. I went a bit earlier and was rewarded by the sight of the owl leaving the barn as I approached.

When I was there yesterday I went into the barn and saw the nesting box up in the eaves. I was aware that there were still noises coming from near it but thought at the time it was rats. Today I decided to have another look at the box and photograph it. Just as I raised my camera a second owl came out of the box . I didn't have a fast enough shutterspeed for a clear photo but was thrilled to see it so close. I left quickly, sat a little way away and the owls returned to the area.

Barn owl is back

Good to see our barn owl back quartering the field outside my window this evening.