Loch Quoich As I drove along the shoreline of Loch Quoich in Scotland, my main concern was where to stop for a good photograph. Seeing the Scots Pine against the reflected sky, I realised: this was what I'd been looking for. The full impact of the optical illusion from that reflected sky was not evident until I looked at the image I'd captured, but it was everything I'd hoped for. Shortly after I took the photograph, a light breeze started up and the mirror-like surface of the loch was just a memory. |
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Glengarry At the far end of a long, winding, single-track road in the Scottish Highlands, I found this tranquil scene. I had wanted to drive to the end of the road but unfortunately my vehicle was unsuitable for the short stretch remaining and I had to execute a neat 23-point turn in a passing place. |
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Chilean Blue Eagle I photographed this magnificent creature in Scotland - not in the wild though! This bird is part of a collection belonging to (and very well looked after by) falconer Andy Hughes, and he believes this is the only Chilean Blue Eagle flying in falconry displays in Scotland. The tiny details in the feathers and even the scrapes and scratches on the fiercesome beak make this a truly fascinating photograph to look at.
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Harris Hawk There can be few more strikingly beautiful birds of prey than the Harris Hawk. Seen here in flight, the colours are a joy to behold. This is another bird belonging to falconer Andy Hughes. |
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Barn Owl Probably our most popular and endearing owl (unless you're a mouse), everyone recognises the round white face. As with all owls, the flight is silent owing to the special "comb-like" construction of the wing feathers. Contrary to popular belief, owls do sometimes appear during daylight hours. |
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Buzzard Buzzards are now frequently seen and becoming widespread. It's one of our more successful birds of prey, though they mostly feed off carrion rather than making their own kills. The shrill call is often the first sign of the presence of buzzards when they are circling in the air currents overhead. |
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Golden Eagle The imperious Golden Eagle, what more magnificent sight is there in our skies - once seen, never forgotten. I'd love to be able to claim I photographed this one in the wild but sadly not. This is another of Andy Hughes' magnificent birds so at least I know it's being well cared for.
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European Eagle Owl This lovely young European Eagle Owl is owned by the falconer at Escot House, Devon. I particularly enjoyed the setting sun reflecting in her eye (see the close-up opposite).
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Face to Face Falconry, Excot House, Devon Click on the photo (left) for a gallery of photos from the birds of prey demonstrations at Escot House, Devon. |