me and Tyto Alba

What a great experience Fran! Owls are irresistible aren't they? You can always go again to see the eagle...One of those woke me one night with its screaming - frightened the life out of me until I realised what it was!

I've been twice, and intend to go back - the only prob is that i need to be this close to be able to actually *see* anthing more than a flying blue.

I've written to the Centre [twice!] to ask what they'd charge for a close-up session - they do half-days, full days and photo sessions, but I don't really want to fly the birds, just to see them clearly. No answer.

There's a couple of owls at the back of our street - there's a nature reserve along the brook at the back - and there are owls there, but i think they're Tawny - they don't "screech" or "tu-whit" so I'm not at all sure what they are.

ps what amazed me was how light she was: full-grown, weighs less than 1-lb. most of the bulk is the feathers, and oh, how soft they were!

What a great experience Fran. I'm not surprised you were captivated, she (or he) is gorgeous!

oh, didn't i wish i could take her home with me!

I did ask one of the falconers if what they did with shed feathers; he said they were so light that the slightest breeze took them away [they save feathers from other birds to repair new birds brought in with damanged plumage]

My OH had a half day at a bird of prey centre for a birthday present once, lunch included - he had a marvellous time. Pity your place didn't reply to your enquire -don't give up!

Next time we go I'll print the letter off and take it with me and give it to one of the staff! they do "experience" days and sessions btu that's not really what I want; just to see the birds up close - close enough for me to see, and for my friend to take photos so I can see even better later.
They now do "photography days" but minimum of four people, so we need to find two more to make up the numberS

What a wonderful experience Fran , I do hope you manage to get a 'close up ' viewing day that would be marvelous for you ...

I've always loved barn owls above any other kind of bird, and this was ... just wow. I'd like to see the other birds as well, really see them, so I'm hoping to go back once the waether improves a bit.

Nice to meet you face to face, Fran.
I see you are doing well.

lol hi Kat! i do have a photo of me as my avatar [though i had to go back to check what it was!] - I dont usually have many pictures of my face because i don't want to break the camera

But I think I might make this photo my new avatar

Centre now closed Fran. Have PMd you with an alternative local suggestion.

Thanks, Stera. no wonder they didn't answer!