Description
This workshop, in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, offers fantastic opportunities to photograph a superb range of birds that are present at the collection. The day will start with the opportunity to photograph a range of species such as Barn Owl, Little Owl, Kestrel and Bald Eagle perched in natural open surroundings. We will then move to a woodland area to capture images of Spectacled Owl, Tawny Owl, Milky (or Verreaux’s) Eagle Owl, and other birds suited to this alternative habitat.
After lunch, we will sit in on a fantastic display of Kites and Eagles with superb opportunities to test and improve your ability to capture images of birds in flight. Griffon Vulture, African Fish Eagle and Bald Eagle will fly around us, and the highlight will be a flock of diving and soaring Black Kites filling the skies.
This will be followed by the opportunity to get close-up and personal with many of the species featured in the display such as vultures, kites and eagles. Our falconer will then fly several species of birds over the meadow and perhaps through trees. Although the range of species that will be flown can not be confirmed until the day, it is likely to include the Milky Eagle Owl, Barn Owl and Hooded Vultures and African Harrier-hawk (Gymogene).
After a short break for refreshments we will move on to our dedicated hide to witness the arrival of the local, wild Red Kites and Grey Herons swooping in for the food placed in front of the hide.
- Fitness Level
This event is suitable for guests of all levels of fitness and involves moderate walking over made up pathways
- Photography Level
This event is suitable for all levels of photographic experience and good images should be achieved with all cameras equipped with telephoto lenses. The Wild Arena guide will also be on hand throughout the day to support and advice those guests new to this style of photography
- Disability Access
This venue is accessed via good made up pathways from the gravel car park and entrance gate. The site has disabled toilet facilities and the main building is equipped with access ramps.
Wheelchair users or those guests with specific needs are advised to contact us before booking and we will do our very best to accommodate you.
- Group Size
The normal group size for this event is 10 photographers
Itinerary
09.30 Arrival
09.45 Introduction & briefing
10.00 Photography session 1 (mostly perching birds)
13.00 Lunch provided in the restaurant of Griffon Room area
14.00 Eagle & Black Kite Flying display
14.30 Private flying in flower meadow
15.30 Tea/coffee break
16.00 Wild Kite & Heron feed from hides
16.30 Close & farewell at front gate
Please note: The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on weather conditions and the availability of the exhibits. Start and finish times are fixed to enable transport planning.
What’s included
Tea/coffee on arrival
SandwichLunch
Full Photographic tuition and venue guide
Entrance to the venue
Venue
Hampshire
This event is held at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire. This wonderful venue has over 200 birds in their collection and have done lots of work supporting birds in the wild both in theUKand abroad.
Facilities
Tea/Coffee
Toilets
VisitorBuilding
Mains Power
Additional drinks and snacks are available to purchase
Public transport links for the venue are good with a mainline station nearby
A detailed map, with full directions, will be sent to all delegates before the workshop and a mobile telephone number will be provided in case of any difficulties on the day.
What to bring
- You will be outside for much of the day so you should be dressed to suit the season and weather.
- We suggest you have a water-proof coat in case of rain and waterproof trousers for kneeling down on wet ground. Shelter is available but you should note that all exhibits are outside and hence can not be viewed while using the shelter.
- Refreshments will be provided on arrival and during the afternoon. There is some opportunity to purchase additional food and drink; but it is suggested that you bring anything specific require.
- You are welcome to bring whatever photographic equipment you believe may be suitable. There is some walking involved and you will not always be very close to your vehicle so please ensure you can comfortably carry all your equipment.
- Fill in flash might be useful in some conditions e.g. where the subject is backlit.
- A SLR camera together with standard, wide angle and telephoto lens would be ideal. A zoom lens covering the range up to 300mm will be ample for most situations and shorter focal length lenses will be suitable for close-ups. The layout of the collection even means non-SLR users are able to get good opportunities.
- A tripod or monopod is suggested for use with long focal length lenses.
- Make sure your batteries are charged and ready for action before you arrive but we can access power points for additional charging throughout the day.
- Bring plenty of memory cards or the facility to download cards as its surprising how many pictures you can take in one day.
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