Falcons

[dubaiphil]

I very rarely post a nature related topic, mainly because there isn't much wildlife in the desert. Sure, there are camels, lots of camels, but even they become boring after a while!

I visited a local museum and heritage centre which specialises in Falconry, and the Arabic traditions, poetry and cultures based around the birds and hunting. They had a few traders in the centre with birds for sale.

35mm on full frame is probably not ideal for shooting birds of prey, so I had to get pretty close!

Here are a few shots from my visit:

1. Many years ago, these falcons on plinths were scattered around the city and painted by local amateur artists (there were also camel versions). A few of them have been relocated to the Falconry Heritage Centre.




2. Low light indoors, with no tripod. Answer, self timer and the camera placed on top of a glass cabinet containing a very amateurish model desert scene. Result, very poor 'mirage' and reflection!




3. I had to get really close to this little'un with a 35mm. Beautiful bird




4. All the other birds I came across had caps on, which made getting closer easier and less stressed




5. A few more chilling out. It was pretty dark so I had to open up the lens a fair bit and increase the ISO.




6. A taxi driver on a break in the entrance of the centre

[jeeperman]

Great series and very interesting, Phil. The fact that I have had frinds for the past 30yrs whom are very into Falconry, likely makes them a little extra interesting to me. However the series stands on its own.

[AB26]

Hi Phil,
Great to see the change.
Thanks for sharing.