When I was in Glasgow a few weeks ago Anna and I went to her local garden centre. At the entrance was a young lady with some owls: an obvious photo opportunity as everyone scurried back to their cars for their cameras. As I raised my camera I was immediately asked not to take photos because there was a little girl in the vicinity. As I was actually taking closeups without any children in shot I was a bit taken aback. All the more so because none of the other photographers who were all standing further back and mostly using point and shoot cameras which were likely to be including the children were being asked to desist. Then I noticed that I was the only male taking photos. The matter was easily sorted when I assured the parents and asked if they had any objection. They seemed quite non-plussed and said they certainly didn't. A donation towards the birds' feeding expenses seemed to make the handler happy too.
It made me feel very sad though that the world has come to that. It also made me realise just how different Britain and New Zealand are. No one would have batted an eyelid in New Zealand where every school play and event is still captured on a hundred cameras and video recorders.
 |
| Little Owl: the smallest British owl at 22cm (8 1/2") |
 |
| So alert |
 |
| Hands to give an idea of just how small the owl is. |
 |
| Look at the eyes |
 |
| This is his left eye closeup |
 |
| An Eagle Owl. At 71 cm (28") this beauty is capable of taking a Roe Deer or a Capercaillie |
 |
| I wonder what he's thinking. |
 |
| Barn Owl. 34 cm (13 1/2") I should think this is Britain's most common owl. It's call is a blood-curdling screech but it can also hiss, snore and bark. I apologise for the burn-out on the face but all my full-body shots were the same. |
 |
| Such inquisitive and all-seeing eyes |
