Bird of Prey Day - DATE BOOKED!!!

[LadyLens]

Evening chaps and chappesses. Apologies if this has been done before, but I was wondering if anyone has done a day at this place and if so what is it like? If not, does anyone fancy it, discounts available for 3 of more.

Barn Owl Centre Photography Day (http://www.barnowl.co.uk/shop/product.asp?ProdID=497)

[IanC_UK]

not done it but have heard its pretty good, may be up for it, would depend when though :)

[Richard T]

hmm sounds very interesting!

[LadyLens]

Got at least one fellow tog a definate to go, so I am going to call them and see whats available over next 2-3 months. Will post what they say when I have spoke to them, but I think its a reasonable price even without a group discount. ;)

[sue]

Depending on dates and times, and what I am working might consider it.

[LadyLens]

Ok, sorry I haven't got back to you all earlier. Its been something of a chaotic week here at the old homestead.

However, I did call them yesterday, and they can pretty much organise which ever days you want, but it is weather dependent. They have taken my phone number and are going to get the chap that runs the actual days to call me back. He hasn't yet, but will give him till Monday and then call them again.

We are now 3 definates from other Nikon owning mates, and a Wednesday in mid July is looking a possibility.

More details to follow ;)

[IanC_UK]

shall keep an eye on this :)

[digitalfailure]

bit of a trek for me....but IF i have a functioning car by the time it's in place, i may make the trip :thumbs:

[LadyLens]

:woot: :woot: :woot:

Right, finally, now I have confirmed my definates can get the day off, I have got a confirmed booking for Wednesday 18th July [weather permitting]

So heres the deal. I have booked for 3. You pay on the day, and its booked in the name 'White' - so if you phone them on 01452 865999, ask to speak to Vincent [who is the organizer and also a photographer, I have explained about people from here may call] and ask to be added to that booking if you can definately make it. Doors open at 11am and it lasts for 3-4 hours. They will take between 8 and 10 at once so it will be on a first come first served basis, so I would ask, please only call if you are definate you can come along, bar any emergency at the time.

He can do anything from longer range flying shots to close up macro stuff and everything in between, and the only problem will be if it's raining or very windy. I have to call them day before if weather forecast is a bit dodgy, and would check the morning before we leave [so would advise anyone adding themselves to do the same] He did of course mention that if its overcast, apertures will have to be opened right up, but I am hoping that the July weather will be good to us.

[nuffink]

If you peeps want some good photographs of all forms of Birds of Prey then you should visit the Hawk Conservancy in Weyhill near Andover on the A303. It has flight displays where you can get real close and is run with the conservation of BoP in mind, The lanner on my gallery came from there. Very cool place and to be honest 60.00 to allow some photos seems a little steep to me as they are going to be on display propbably anyway but.....:shrug:

[IanC_UK]

to be honest 60.00 to allow some photos seems a little steep to me as they are going to be on display propbably anyway but.....:shrug:

Its not just a case of allowing photos, they actually take the birds out and fly them for your group, and also place them on natural looking perches etc, Vincent the owner is a photographer and knows how to take a pic too.

Have heard the Hawk Conservancy is good too :)

[LadyLens]

As a comparison, another bird place is doing something very similar but charging over £100, so I don't think £60 too unreasonable, and certainly not when its ploughed back into the care of these fabulous birds.

As Ian said, you get plenty of the sort of pics you want, with advice from a guy that knows his stuff, and when the maximum group size is 8-10, 'access' has to be much better than at a general display day where numbers can be considerably more and close up considerably less, as well as the birds often being restricted by hoods, etc.

[LadyLens]

Just thought I would give this a bump, its only a month away, so if anyone fancies a date with some birds, this will hopefully be a goodie.