Clovishound
Senior Member
For those of you who like to take bird pictures, but don't have the 600mm monster lens, or perhaps the desire to spend a ton of time in the field in the cold and rain, I have an idea for you. OK, some may consider this cheating, I respect that. If nothing else it will give you some nice pictures and help out a great cause.
My daughter, hereafter referred to as Clovispup, or the Pup, and I have made several trips to a local raptor rescue center. As part of their outreach program they have several of their rescues trained, and give demonstrations. They also have a special photography day once a month that gives special access to photographing the birds. They have a variety of raptors from hawks to eagles to owls. Even the everyday demonstrations give the opportunity to get relatively close to the birds and the opportunity to shoot them in flight (OK, I realize how that sounds, please just use your camera for this), as well as on perches and perched on the hands of the handlers.
Yes, these are captive birds. Yes, they have tethers and trackers on them which show up on some of the photos. Still, it's good practice, and they do a lot of good work rescuing sick and injured birds. You will likely have a good time and learn a bit about the birds.
Here are a few pics I have gotten there. The Pup has gotten some better ones. Here's a link to the center. You may or may not have such a place nearby, or want to take pictures under these conditions, but it may be a viable option for some.
https://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/
My daughter, hereafter referred to as Clovispup, or the Pup, and I have made several trips to a local raptor rescue center. As part of their outreach program they have several of their rescues trained, and give demonstrations. They also have a special photography day once a month that gives special access to photographing the birds. They have a variety of raptors from hawks to eagles to owls. Even the everyday demonstrations give the opportunity to get relatively close to the birds and the opportunity to shoot them in flight (OK, I realize how that sounds, please just use your camera for this), as well as on perches and perched on the hands of the handlers.
Yes, these are captive birds. Yes, they have tethers and trackers on them which show up on some of the photos. Still, it's good practice, and they do a lot of good work rescuing sick and injured birds. You will likely have a good time and learn a bit about the birds.
Here are a few pics I have gotten there. The Pup has gotten some better ones. Here's a link to the center. You may or may not have such a place nearby, or want to take pictures under these conditions, but it may be a viable option for some.
https://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/