Bird of Prey Photography

On 25th September, 8 members of Welshpool Camera Club turned their hands to wildlife photography, albeit in the more controlled situation of a bird of prey centre. The venue was the Mid-Wales Falconry Centre in Castle Caereinion at 9:30 on a rather chilly but dry morning.
After a cup of tea or coffee we had a discussion as to what was going to happen for the day and Paul, the Falconer, gave a brief introduction and a safety briefing. We then drove up into the hills to our first location, a beautiful old barn. There we photographed a Barn Owl called Magic on an old barn door then on a fence post where the bird was in full sun. After a short walk over some fields, with stunning views of the local scenery and far-off hills, we got to the next location and a European Eagle Owl called Merlin. By this time the weather had warmed up and it was a glorious day. Merlin was photographed in two locations, both different. Another short walk saw us photographing two birds. The first was a Hobby called Bilbo, then close by we had a Merlin called Lady, before heading back down to the barn for more shots of Magic. By this time everyone was hungry so back down to the centre for a welcoming cup of tea and some food.
After lunch, a short walk up the road saw us photographing a Goshawk called Gelert perched on a post by a conifer plantation. Then a Great Grey Owl named Cheep looking out from atop a larch branch. After a short while we had, what was by general consensus, the highlight of the day when Cheep was flown over us as we lay down and we all tried to get Cheep flying and in focus. Despite being one of the slower flying birds of prey in Paul's collection, it was not an easy task, but if we have sufficient interest another trip may be arranged later in the season for further attempts! We then headed back down to the centre for the last bird, Jasmine, a Tawny Owl on a gatepost. After a time with her we drifted off having had a wonderful day out with good company, great weather and magnificent birds.