Tawny Owl

Although widespread, tawny owls are our most nocturnal owl, making them difficult to photograph in the wild. I spent all night in a hide in Lincolnshire, my camera trained on a carefully sited perch baited with dead mice and illuminated with a focusing light. To make the photographs, I fired twin flash guns by wireless remote control, giving a pleasing light on the owl that is free of harsh shadows. Of the many images I captured during the night, this one has the most impact as the owl is staring straight at me.