Peregrine falcon in flight

Lovely day out today at the Hawk Conservancy in Andover. My birthday present this year was a photographic afternoon there.

There were 7 of us in total and we got really close to the birds and the handlers were really helpful in trying to get them in the right set up and out of the sun etc. For the most part they also kept the ties and equiptment out of the photos as best they could - although when they have to settle a nervous golden eagle, you just take any picture you can get!!

The best part of the day was watching the birds in the 'Valley of the Eagles' display. Loads of kites being fed, beautiful bold eagle soaring across - and the speed of the peregrine falcon was just amazing.

Would highly recommend the day - although it would have been nice to have had a photographer there advising settings like the one I did at the WHF in Ashford with the big cats. Having said that there is a special day class next year with a bird/wildlife photographer.....so that's next year's pressie sorted!!