For the love of owls

Local wildlife photographer Richard Birchett shares his passion for nature

Meeting with Richard Birchett was a real delight: an award-winning ethical professional wildlife photographer, passionate about nature and a bird lover. I had the pleasure of interviewing him about his experience and expertise with owls. His eyes sparkle when he talks about those beautiful birds of prey.

Richard, who currently resides in Rockcliffe, has been an avid bird watcher for 40 years. He photographs wildlife in its natural environment, without any sort of lures. Observing birds of prey has always been an interest for him, impressed by their beauty, elegance, grace, and their secretive nature. 

His favorite owl is the Barn Owl, a native of his home in the countryside of Cornwall, UK. Owls have behavioural patterns, and once you know their habits, you can follow their whereabouts and be in the best position to observe and study them. Richard prides himself in his fieldcraft of his subjects.

Owls are crepuscular, hunting at dusk and dawn. When weather is bad, they may have to hunt during the day, and risk being mobbed by other predators. Since they are territorial, and if you happen to be in their way, they may warn you off by flying by you and flapping their wings. Remember, you are in their home. On the other hand, they can be very tolerant to humans, like the one Richard has recently observed on his local patch, the friendly neighbourhood barred owl. 

Unusual discovery

I asked Richard what his most unusual discovery was when observing the barred owl. “I saw this particular owl pick up a paper bag and a plastic bag, little logs and sticks and play with them, and witnessed pellet ejection. What was interesting to observe is its playful nature.”  

He noticed that an owl got used to him, flew close and landed next to him. “I knew him and he respected me. That was a special moment for me,” he says.

What is crucial for Richard in observing and photographing wildlife is engaging with nature and respecting owls and other birds of prey and their environment. 

“Give them space, approach them cautiously, read their behaviour, don’t get too close, engage with your own eyes.”

He is a firm believer of the health benefits and healing power of enjoying the outdoors, absorbing nature and listening to its sounds. Nature, in its different forms, makes us connect to life at its best! 

For more fascinating discovery of Richard Birchett and his wildlife photography, see links below: 

Youtube – www.youtube.com/c/richardbirchett

Website – www.richardbirchett.co.uk

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/richardbirchett/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/richardbirchettphotography