Flight of fancy …
So while we seem to be getting a few hints of summer here and 
there it really does look like we are moving into Autumn and to be honest it’s a time I like for photography, the longer shadows which become more apparent later in the season. As somebody who likes to try find a theme or project to drive my photography, sometimes I struggle to find a theme/project that energizes me and gets me shooting.
For me and I guess a lot of people, it’s great when an chance to photograph something “out of my ordinary” comes along and that is what happened last Saturday. With school back, so also are those after school activities for the children. Last Saturday, my Son had a Guitar lesson (wish I had the ability to learn guitar) followed by swimming so as we call ourselves “The Boys” had a busy morning and I was expecting the normal Saturday afternoon of domestic activities but on our return home we got a great surprise, my wife had received a phone call from her cousin Brian McCann to let us know he was visiting Kilruddery House – fairly normal you would think, except for the fact that Brian who runs Newgrange Falconry was visiting with Hawks, Falcons & Owls for a Falconry display and we were invited along.
Brian McCann with Casper
It was a fantastic way to pass the afternoon and I am determined to attend another (few) of Brian’s shows. Brian and his wife Barbara incredibly knowledgeable, have a great way with these fantastic birds but more than this, they have a fantastic way with people, they impart their knowledge and love of the birds in a relaxed and fun way.
The fact that you get to be so close to the birds really adds to the experience. It was wonderful to see the relationship Brian and Barbara have with the birds. Even while sitting on their perches, it seemed to me that the birds were keeping a check on where Brian and Barbara were, it brought home to me the expression eyes like a hawk. In fact I learned were a number of expressions we have in English originated, such as “Fed up” and “Stuck in my craw”, I’m not telling, you’ll have to go along to a show and learn.
Without a doubt the highlight for my Son was getting to hold a 
number of the birds an owl and a falcon (hope I got that right) and then when Brian flew the birds some of the visitors (from Switzerland) and Sam actually had the birds land on their arms.
We had a great day, I dusted of the camera and now I really want to make more photographs of these wonderful creatures and I’m determined to visit Newgrange Falconry to see more of the birds and of course one of their stars Odin their majestic Golden Eagle. I know some of the photographers I know went with their camera club to see a display and I’m very tempted to try arrange a visit with some friends. I was intrigued to learn that one of the services they offer is visiting schools, which I think would be a wonderful experience for children, must mention it to our local school.
So if you are looking for something to do, that the whole family will enjoy and give you something different to photography I’d highly recommend a falconry display.
Great post, looking forward to seeing more shots!
Thanks Stephen. I hope to go through the shots tomorrow and see if there any worth posting.
Looked like a great day out! I love autumn myself – the crisp morning air, the everchanging colours of the leaves, wonderful!
Thanks Sarah, it was really great and I highly recommend it as something different to photograph.