Devon Bird of Prey Centre and Shaldon – A Day of Two Parts
Updated: Jul 29
Report by Paul Newman, Trip Organiser
22 July saw a group of nine club members assemble at Fermoys Garden Centre restaurant near Ipplepen for the now obligatory pre-activity coffee and cake consumption. That part of the mission accomplished and armed only with cameras, lenses and bank cards the group began the two minute walk to the Devon Bird of Prey Centre for what was to become a highly fulfilling yet demanding photography session. The centre houses some of the world’s most magnificent birds of prey which are showcased in a distinctive and intimate manner that demonstrates an exceptional standard of care and dedication to the birds. This evident passion and commitment to the birds underscores the centre’s credibility and is reinforced by its Zoo Licencing.
The photography session began with a short talk about the work of the centre and was followed by various birds being displayed on the glove which enabled some wonderful portrait shots for our members. The experience culminated with the birds being flown in different directions to allow us to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural element. It is fair to say that all the group felt, as ‘non-birders’, that birds in flight was a great test of camera skills! Indeed, discussion afterwards revealed that keeper rates were not more than about fifteen percent of the shots taken and agreement was reached that this aspect alone proved the educational value of capturing subjects that are not normally within one’s normal comfort zone or photographic genre.
Peregrine Falcon. Photo: Jane Baker
A lunch and recovery interlude was conducted back at the garden centre restaurant before the group pushed on to Shaldon for a relaxing summer afternoons photography. Shaldon is an idyllic little fishing village of quaint thatched cottages, period houses, contemporary homes and narrow winding streets situated at the mouth of the Teign estuary. The group made the most of the myriad photographic opportunities the village affords and came away feeling very pleased with the location.
Photo: Anne Luther-Gandy Photo: Rob Evans Photo: Rob Evans Photo: Paul Newman
Early evening, those still standing retired to the idyllically situated Combe Cellars pub on the south side of the Teign estuary for a drink and dinner whilst reflecting favourably on the days very different photographic activities.
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