Birds of Prey Photography

Colin Carter is oganising a photography session at the Thirsk Birds of Prey centre. Full tuition available if needed or left alone to get shots if more experienced.
Colin recommends a dSLR and a lens around 300mm (200mm on DX) or over for the best opportunities.
This will be the centre's closed season so participants will have the place to themselves.
The price is £50 each with no more than 15 participants. If anyone is interested please contact the centre direct and book a place sooner rather than later.
Colin is their resident photographer They now take all the static birds outside the centre for much better photographic opportunities, backgrounds, lighting, perches etc.
The centre's website is www.falconrycentre.co.uk

Birds of Prey Workshops

Dear Photographer,
We're pleased to let you know that we've now agreed dates for our 2015 one day bird of prey workshops.
The dates are June 26, July 31 and August 7, all of these are Fridays.
As usual we'll have a wonderful array of owls and raptors, beautiful scenic locations, bad jokes, and Richard's mum's amazing homemade soups and puddings. New for 2015 we've also arranged for perfect weather on each day. OK, that last bit's a lie, but we'll enjoy whatever Cumbria throws at us.
Anyway, if you'd like to book onto one of the days, please drop us an email sandatoonATaol.com. The workshop page on our website is www.toonphoto.com/workshop.
Steve & Ann Toon
Web: Ann & Steve Toon Wildlife Photography
Blog: Beat about the Bush
Rhino blog: Project African Rhino

Birds of Prey Photography

I am writing to all clubs in the region to let you know that our new Falconry Centre has opened at Walworth Castle, near Darlington on 29 March 2014. Some of your members may already know of us, as we were formerly Northside Falconry, based near Barnard Castle.

As well as opening 5 days a week during which there will be two flying displays daily, we also provide a range of the experiences that are detailed in the attached brochure. However, the following two experiences might be of particular interest to your members

Photography Experience in conjunction with Going Digital - A wonderful day spent taking close-up and action shots of hawks, falcons and owls in exceptional and natural surroundings. Those attending will have unlimited access to the birds throughout the day. They will learn how to take great portrait and flying shots of the birds and the workshop includes classroom instruction, two photography sessions with ample time for shots of the birds, and a review and opportunity to discuss your images as a group. Further information and bookings can be found at http://www.goingdigital.co.uk

Photography Afternoons – An opportunity to take close up and flight photographs with the birds, using your own skills and knowledge. We have many photographic props for you to use around the castle to ensure that you get unforgettable photographs. The birds that you will be able to photograph include: barn owls, kestrel, Tawny Owl, Scops Owl, Little Owl, Peregrine, Turkmenian and Indian Eagle Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and Harris Hawks to name but a few.

You can meet some of the birds at our blog http://www.walworthbirds.blogspot.co.uk.

These afternoon events run from 13.00-16.00 hours with a maximum of 10 people, and costs £35 per person (includes tea and biscuits). The current available dates are:     

11th June 2014

9th July

13th July

6th August

27th August

10th September

Bookings can be made by emailing: mailto:enquiries@walworthcastlebirdsofprey.co.uk?subject=Photography Enquiry

And further information can be found at http://www.walworthcastlebirdsofprey.co.uk.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

Kind regards

Tori Goodall

07815 756 386

Walworth Castle
Darlington
DL2 2LY

One-day Hawk and Owl Photography Workshops 2014

The dates are on line for next year's one day Hawk and Owl Photography Workshops with Steve and Ann Toon.  From previous experience Guy and I can recommend these workshops.  Click here for a link to their web page.

Birds of Prey at Sion Hill Hall

We had a great day photographing the various birds of prey at Sion Hill Hall Falconry Centre.  Many thanks to Colin for organising the day.  Having got rid of all the dross I'm slowly working through my best shots from the day.

Ferruginous Buzzard

Grey Eagle Buzzard

Peregrine Falcon

White Faced Scops Owl

Little Owl on Garden Fork

Little Owl

More Farne Island Pictures

Here are some of my pictures from the Farne Islands trip. The seals were shot from the boat as we approached Staple Island. For the birds, I concentrated on trying to get flight shots as these were the most challenging. The puffins in particular were difficult, but I did manage to get a few.

Farne Islands

Here are a few of my pics from the Farnes. Unfortunately the mating razorbills were backlit and too far away for fill-in flash.

Farne Isles

As with Simon not many puffins but glad to have the terns as obliging, albeit one angry mum blessed me with a present all over my camera. The sailing ship was a bonus and may be a contender with our seascape theme - well you do have to think of these things!!!

One Good Tern?

Yesterday's Farnes trip was blessed by good weather (again!). Still didn't manage too many 'puffin in flight' shots - I wish they didn't move so fast - but here are a few from my full memory card.

Bempton to Blacktoft

Bird Photography Bempton and Blacktoft
I am proposing a round trip to Bempton cliffs and Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve some time in the middle of May . This will not be for the faint hearted as i would want to be at Bempton at 7.30 am , preferable on the cliff at this time . Stay at Bempton till Midday then travel to Blacktoft reserve for the afternoon . This is a 209 miles round trip . I have room in the car for two more persons and would expect a contributions of £12 .00 per head to cover expenses . We would meet at Guisborough, my house as a starting point . The precise date would be confirmed depending on the weather , i would try and give as much notice as possible . This is a predominately bird photography . You should get good shots of Gannets, and various species of Auks . Blacktoft will provide stunning views of Marsh harrier and Avocets , this i can guarantee. You will need at least a 300mm lens to get any benefit from this trip . Contact me on 01287 201794 or Paul.forster1 @ ntlworld.com if you are interested.