20111018

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

During my hawking day with David and Jayne Gook (see previous posts and the link below) I was able to handle this beautiful female Barn Owl for quite some time and – as it perched on my gloved hand calmly surveying all around – it frankly won this old man's heart. In the noisy company of a Harris Hawk, Kestrel, Buzzard and Eagle Owl, it had a quiet, humbling dignity. I think something of my admiration for the bird comes out in this portrait.

For more on Jayne and David's courses, simply follow this link: The Hawking Experience

Canon 1Ds MkII, Cann 100-400mm L IS USM lens, 1/400th sec, f/16, 400mm at ISO 500

7 comments:

  1. Yes it does - very regal pose. Splendid Tim.

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  2. Now that is a privilege to handle a Barn Owl Tim. Beautiful image.

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  3. Isn't that beautiful? Last year I was privileged to be near one and was invited to gently push my finger through the feathers, an amazing feeling.

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  4. That is one of the greatest, cheers Tim.

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