... Journal Entry
A day out at the local Raptor Sanctuary courtesy of OM System and London Camera Exchange. Owls, hawks and falcons in all their splendid glory, beautiful creatures and the descendants of the dinosaurs alive and well and flying around us.The raptors!
So raptors are birds of prey which include eagles, falcons, hawks and owls. They are birds that feed on animal flesh, distinguished by having hooked bills and sharp talons; some to my eyes look what they are deadly predators and others like the owls quite cute though equally deadly to their prey. All are very photogenic.
The Little Owl (Athene noctua), also known as the Owl of Athena or Owl of Minerva, is a bird that inhabits much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It was introduced into Britain at the end of the 19th century. It feeds on insects, earthworms, other invertebrates and small vertebrates. It is a small (approx. 22cm long) making it super cute. This one is called Pip.
Kestrels are strikingly handsome birds and are a type of a small falcon that hover with rapidly beating wings while searching for prey on the ground. This one was called Nala.
Buzzards are a large hawklike birds of prey with broad wings and rounded tails, often seen soaring in wide circles hunting for what we often colloquially call "squeaky snacks". Frequently they can be heard calling to each other as they circle high above riding the thermals. This buzzard was called, somewhat ironically, Mouse!
All photography took place at the Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre who have a passion for British birds, the centre is home to Barn Owls, Peregrine Falcons, Kestrels, Snowy Owls, Buzzards and many more stunning birds.
It was made possible by OM System who are equally passionate about providing bird, wildlife and nature photographers with equipment designed especially to meet their needs. Handling their pro gear that day this really shone out.