It seems ironic that on the day that one of my peregrine falcon photos appeared on the Photoblog front page I should find myself taking photos of more birds of prey. Thank you all for your wonderful comments on my peregrine post – it was such a lovely surprise and an honour to find myself on the front page.

After I’d dropped my friends off at Southampton airport early this morning I continued on my way to Gloucester for my monthly rehearsal there. Thanks to the early start I was well ahead of schedule so I decided to stop off at the International Centre for Birds of Prey on the way there. I rehearse within a couple of miles of here every month so I decided to join up as a friend of the Centre – that way I can pop in whenever I’m passing. I made it just in time for the first flying display this morning and while I couldn’t quite get my act together when it came to photographing the falcons I had more luck with the White Tailed Sea Eagle who moved just that little bit more slowly. After a quick sandwich I headed for the Hawk Walk where the Centre’s flying team hang out between displays. The birds were enjoying the sunshine and seemed very happy to pose for me. After a couple of hours I reluctantly dragged myself away from the centre to go to my rehearsal – at least I know I can pop in again next month so it won’t be long before I can see these magnificent birds again.

beautiful ! ????? · 2012-06-18: 11:22

Amazing shots, what beautiful creatures! mazpics · 2012-06-18: 11:46

lovely set and congrats on your FP MoMac · 2012-06-18: 11:48

Those sea eagles have an awesome array of weaponry at their disposal... I wouldn't want to be a fish when they are feeling peckish! Annbramwell · 2012-06-18: 12:07

Wow, this is so wonderful and so good. kwibusje · 2012-06-18: 12:24

Impressive and magnificent series! 5 be going to fly up to my favorites josy63 · 2012-06-18: 12:28

wow amazing set! added 5 to my Favs! Riyaz · 2012-06-18: 12:30

Absolutely stunning photography Helen.This weekend my son Kevin ran a mountain race in NOrthern Pennsylvania. Hawk MOuntain was it's location. It is a major migratory crossroads for many, many predatory birds... Rugged and rough area. danrav · 2012-06-18: 12:33

Lovely birds, the beak on no6 looks as though it can do some serious damage. We have red kites and buzzards overhead regular but I have never got this close to them, lucky you. va000119 · 2012-06-18: 12:35

This is the best photoblog set I have seen in a long long time, absolutely fantastic. Jarvo · 2012-06-18: 13:14

Brilliant series. yellodog · 2012-06-18: 14:01

Fantastic portraits! Wasichseh · 2012-06-18: 15:48

Beautifully done...especially #4!!! Straight to my favourites!!!! LAZYWASP · 2012-06-18: 17:04

Amazing images, Helen!!! The sharpness, color, clarity and depth are such that I feel if I put my hand on the computer screen I would feel feathers!!! A WOW post!!! lookagain · 2012-06-18: 17:35

Those are awesome captures mystic1 · 2012-06-18: 22:16

Wow! Fantastic set!! I adore #4 and take the little one into my favorites :) nynkeb · 2012-06-19: 05:22

...don't think that I've seen close ups like these before....wow maharba · 2012-06-20: 16:09

Great set! pandka · 2012-06-21: 04:23

Beautiful photos. The focus is perfect. dottydaisy97 · 2012-06-21: 16:26

Great set, impressive and beautiful birds. Thanks for sharing. hazaj · 2012-08-18: 03:34

Tagged: hawk falcon raptor bird eagle icbp wildlife