PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID WHISTLECRAFT

This Barn Owl (Tyto Alba) was one of three Owls that hunted the same fields at Thornham, North Norfolk on a cold winters morning. Seen here in a hover just before it pounced upon an unsuspecting rodent in the grass below.
These magnificent birds declined during the 20th century due to agricultural intensification. However, I’m pleased to say that most farmers now provide nest boxes and leave rough grassland area’s that are rich in voles (one of the Barn Owl’s main food source).

Equipment: Canon Eos 1DsMk2, Canon 500mm F4L IS Lens.

Ref: Barn Owl Hover

Date: 04/03/06

Location: Thornham, North Norfolk

Photographer: David Whistlecraft