Raptor Workshop - Dalhousie Castle

TheTamshee: spent the day with photographer Ron McCombe and a few other camera trigger snappers at Dalhousie Castle just outside Edinburgh. The plan for the day was to photograph the displaying birds of prey in woodland and open settings. The range of raptors available, was many and Falconary Scotland certainally know how to condition and train these fantastic birds.The Kestrel and Merlin were my favourites on the day; because it's not often you get the opportunity to get this close with camera in hand in the open country side. Thanks to everyone for a great day out.

Little Owl - Displaying

TheTamshee: spent a few hours in the company of falconar Mohammed Soliman; the opportunity to photograph captive birds of prey at close quarters gave me the chance to practice various in camera settings. The lighting was tricky due to the forest location at Jedforest Deer Park. Check out this link for more Owl Photography.

Steppe Eagle

TheTamshee & wildlife detective Pol; visited Jedforest Deer Park in the scottish borders. The heavy rain hampered the afternoon raptor display but getting close to the male Steppe Eagle was awesome. These close up shots of the head with the distinctive white marking on the beak are a stark reminder that this raptors powerful beak will cause serious damage to it's chosen prey. Looking forward to returning for my "Eagle Experience" and some falconry tutoring.  

Short Eared Owl

TheTamshee:spent a bright but cold day in the company of a handful of Short Eared Owls on the east coast of scotland. The light conditions were favourable but it can be very tricky capturing these magnificent predators in full flight. They are constantly changing direction while scanning the grassy terrain for a tasty rodent. Check out Tamshee's Photography photostream / Flickr for more of the set

Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus)

TheTamshee: has been spending some quality time observing the behaviour of a pair of Peregrine Falcons. These raptors are at the top end of the food chain when it comes to birds of prey. They are regarded as the fastest animal in the world during its characteristic hunting stoop. They feed almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons, doves, waterfowl and songbirds but will hunt bats in the hours of darkness if food is in short supply. Click Here to check out Tamshee's Photography and see more wonderful images of these majestic raptors.

Argaty Red Kites

TheTamshee: clan stopped off for some lunch @ Lerrocks Farm on the outskirts of Doune. This is the location of Argaty Red Kites. My favourite location for photographing these magnificient raptors. Many thanks to Mike for the interesting info pertaining to the history & re-introduction program. Great session @ the hide and managed to capture some good shots.

Harris Hawk

TheTamshee says: you don't often get the chance to photograph the majestic Harris Hawk while wandering the pine forest @ Whinfell, Cumbria but this innocent looking hawk took no prisoners while attacking the wandering duck meandering between the cyclists.

Yellow Bellied Flycatcher

Yellow Bellied Flycatcher fighting for survival on the NJR

TheTamshee: reads with interest that the Norfolk twitchers are flocking to glimpse the "rare to these shores"

Yellow Bellied Flycatcher which has been seen in Europe for the first time. Normally a resident of the spruce bogs in Canada and the north-eastern United States they seem to have been de-railed while migrating to Mexico. It's also been a spectacle for the troops on the NJR. We have, what seems like hundreds flying around the rig at the mercy of four rather fat Sparrowhawks and a buzzard.

Harris Hawk @ Selkirk Sports

TheTamshee: snapped this beauty @ the kids picnic. Harris Hawk curtosity of Elite Falconary

Kailzie Gardens

TheTamshee: called in at the Osprey live cam viewing center sited at Kailzie Gardens close to Cadrona. Healthy adults with two young chicks feeding on trout. The exact location of the nest; located deep in Glentress Forest is a well guarded secret. Duck Pond with the ruin of Horseburgh Tower in the distant background. f4.0 1/640 with focal length 70mm

Mexenopsus AE f5.6 1/125 iso 200 with focal length 55mm

Female Torso. f5.6 1/640 iso 400 with focal length 55mm

Allium Purple Sensation. f5.6 1/250 iso 200 focal length 55mm

Raptors @ Jedforest

The Bells had some fun time at Jedforest Dear Park today; with some close up raptor shots for TheTamshee.blogspot.com
Tawny Owl F5.6 1/200 Raw+ AWB ISO 200Peregrine Falcon F5.6 1/320 Raw+ AWB ISO 800
Lanner Falcon F5.6 1/320 Raw+ AWB ISO 500

Tawny In Flight

TheTamshee: only managed a snap shot as the resident Tawny Owl flew the roost. Canon F5.0 1/800 AWB with ISO100

Tamshee's Owl Roost

TheTamshee: has spent some considerable time strolling the woods in search of Owl Scat or whitewash at the base of favourable roosting trees; but perseverance's pays off. I've finally found my very own resident Tawny Owl. As I checked out this lower entrance the roosting raptor exited at the higher opening.

To be continued when the weather brightens up. Hopefully shooting some action photographs with the Canon EOS

Common Buzzard @ Stow

TheTamshee: shoots this photo of a Common Buzzard on the Canon EOS 500D F4.9 1/500

The Catton Barn Owl

TheTamshee: & family had a leisurely stay at the Potter's in Catton. near Allendale. Fine festive fare and no dishes to wash. Thanks to Ali & Marzie for the hospitality. The added bonus was spotting the Barn Owl perched on the stone dike a mile or so outside the village.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

"Such glance did Falcon never dart, When stooping on his prey" Marmion
TheTamshee: is always on the look out for birds of prey; while travelling on the B6359 Bowden to Melrose back road we spotted the secretive Sparrowhawk in the sparse hedgerow. The female bird was unconcerned, allowing me to reverse alongside for a close up view. See this Site for some fun birds in the bath, including the sparrowhawk. Copyright Dave Culley

Gurney Journey

TheTamshee: marvels at the photography skills employed to shoot this cracking slow motion video of the Great Horned Owl making it's approach and landing. Found from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest, from the desert to suburban backyards, the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and common owls in North America. http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2009/11/eagle-owl-in-slo-mo.html

Masked Owl

Picture: Liam Kidston / Newspix / Rex features

TheTamshee: was impressed with Heidi the one winged Masked Owl who is cared for by Alf Boden at his home in Pinkenba, Australia. Mr Boden and his wife have reared the seven year old from a chick after her wing was crushed during tree felling at Beerwah State Forest. Credit due

Hedgehog & Owl

TheTamshee: enjoys scrolling through the Telegraph earth picture galleries to admire some excellent photography. Some of the latest offerings; like Baldrick the Hedgehog are rather sad. The poor little blighter is suffering from what i would call coconut syndrome while others correctly identify that it is the dreaded mange!! Picture PA

Picture REUTERS: Pick of the bunch for me has to be the Philippine Eagle Owl; the marble sharpness and colour of the eye's is almost hypnotic if you stare too long. Now if only i could attract this majestic bird to migrate a few thousand miles and set up home in my Owl House!!

European Eagle Owl

TheTamshee: & Family checked out the European Eagle Owls ( Bubo-Bubo ) at Philiphaugh Farm. Very impressive birds but unfortunately this pair are not free to patrol the skies at their leisure.