Various birds of prey

[Psmeg]

Hi all,

I spent a cracking afternoon at Newent bird of prey centre and got the opportunity to test my new Nikon D300 and 70-300mm VR lens out on the stunning wildlife.

The main reason was to have a go at shooting birds in flight, and while it was far from easy, it really was an enjoyable experience.

Below are a few of the results I've processed so far.

Feedback is MUCH appreciated. :)

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0777-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0708-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0707-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0400-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0399-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0397-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0621-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0566-1.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0521-1.jpg

[Psmeg]

...and one more.

I'll process some of the others tomorrow and post them for your feedback too. :)

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0470-1.jpg

[Josh]

Really nice set of photo's there :thumbs:

No.7 is a really good shot, everythings right and looks like a very rare chance to get a shot like that =)

Well done :clap:

[IanC_UK]

Very good set, the great grey owls are spoiled by the background unfortunately, but still nice and sharp :)

[malla1962]

Great shots, number 2 for me.:clap:

[Psmeg]

Really nice set of photo's there :thumbs:

No.7 is a really good shot, everythings right and looks like a very rare chance to get a shot like that =)

Well done :clap:

Cheers Josh: I tried to get some more interesting poses from the tethered birds, and this one obliged with the posted pose. I thought it gave him a bit of character. :)

Very good set, the great grey owls are spoiled by the background unfortunately, but still nice and sharp :)

Thanks Ian, it was a bit of a pain trying to get shots of the Great Owl as the handler seemed to stay close to the fence-line, hence the rubbish background.

Great shots, number 2 for me.:clap:

Cheers malla1962, I love the intensity of the eyes during flight on the first 3 images, and it's amazing to see the size of the wingspan!

Thanks for all the positive comments guys, they are much appreciated. :)

Paul C

[Psmeg]

OK, here's another one that I've processed and even though the wings are clipped (gutted), I still love the way he is looking directly at the camera...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd86/Psmeg/Wildlife/DSC0821-Edit_800.jpg

[Geordi69]

Great set there. I think for me No2 just takes it as a fave.

[IanC_UK]

Thanks Ian, it was a bit of a pain trying to get shots of the Great Owl as the handler seemed to stay close to the fence-line, hence the rubbish background.

Isnt that always the case :( they are still great shots :)

[hairy]

Cracking set :clap:
Hard to pick a favourite; so I wont. I like them all :thumbs:

[Psmeg]

Cheers all, your feedback is much appreciated.

I think at some point in the near future I'll head back out there and try to get better in-flight shots as they were incredibly enjoyable to do.

This time I think I'll try a few different locations to get a better vantage point on some of the birds.

[Cobra]

Nice set 4th and last (eagle) for me :thumbs:
Nice shot of the eagle with its gob open as well

[InaGlo]

Fantastic set! :thumbs:
#7 and the last are my faves.
I actually like the fact that the wings are clipped in the last shot, seems to add to the framing for me.

[Psmeg]

Thanks for the comments all, it's really nice to get such positive feedback on my images. :)

[wilmorh]

Fantastic set! :thumbs:
#7 and the last are my faves.
I actually like the fact that the wings are clipped in the last shot, seems to add to the framing for me.


:agree: :clap::clap:

[condyk]

Beautiful birds and looks like you had a great time.

[dixon]

Fantastic set of pics m8. Shall have to pay a visit there again as its not far from where I live.

[tappilappi]

I like the owl pics - I struggle with the large owls as their wingspan seems to be much wider than normal for a bird of that size. While I am concentrating on getting the focus on the eye/head area I fail to notice that the wings have escaped out of both sides of the frame! :bang:

[Wyldeflower]

Love number 7 its awesome ..but they are all brilliant..

[Psmeg]

I like the owl pics - I struggle with the large owls as their wingspan seems to be much wider than normal for a bird of that size. While I am concentrating on getting the focus on the eye/head area I fail to notice that the wings have escaped out of both sides of the frame! :bang:

Tell me about it... :)

That's where it's handy to be able to run of about 20 shots in a few seconds, you should get at least one sharp one. lol

Paul C

[Werecow]

Great shots :) I really enjoy taking bird in flight shots too.
I love #2 and #7! "AAAAAAAAGGHHHHH!" :lol:

[jgs001]

Superb shots. The last one (9th??) is my fave, I love the intentness in the bird, along with that Owl (Eagle Owl ??) taking off.

[hunter20ga]

Very nice. I kept looking for the the Daily Prophet, however. LOL