The Hawk Conservancy Trust

As previously written, I bought my Canon EOS 5D body from T4 Cameras, their Swindon branch being quite local to me.  In conjunction with Canon, T4 laid on an Open Day at the Hawk Conservancy near Andover on Sunday (22nd) for which I obtained an  invitation. 

I had no preconceived idea of what to expect from the visit, other than an opportunity to photograph birds of prey, possibly in flight as well as in a captive scenario.  Well, the Hawk Conservancy easily exceeded my expectations, providing a superb day out.  At the various flying displays, the commentaries were not only interesting and informative but also very amusing.  The displays themselves, which were staged at intervals throughout the day, were astonishing in that numerous eagles, vultures, kites, hawks and owls were released and then encouraged to perform for the audience and to do so in very close proximity, necessitating members of the audience to rapidly duck out of the way at times! 

Vulture Fly-Past

 Yes, the above vulture was at my eye-level and close enough to call for a rapid zooming-out of my EF 100-400mm lens.  At other times they came over far too close – I would have needed a wide-angle lens to fit them in!

See you, Jimmy!

I highly recommend a visit to the Hawk Conservancy and applaud their dedication, skills and endeavours in the conservation of birds of prey.  Also, thanks go to T4 Cameras for laying on the day and for their comprehensive display of photographic equipment.

More images from the day are being slowly added to the Bird-life subalbum of my Photo Gallery.