Predator vs Predator: How I Photographed a Battle Between a Barn Owl and Common Buzzard
I’m buzzing (pun intended!) with excitement to share an unforgettable wildlife encounter that I was lucky enough to not just witness, but to be able to photograph. Every Spring/Summer for the last 3 years I’ve spent countless hours with a pair of local barn owls, little did I know that on this occasion, I’d watch them be challenged by a common buzzard… here’s how the events unfolded:
How the attack began… the barn owl flying back to its nest with some evening food, being closely tailed by a common buzzard after a free meal.
Just a Regular Evening with The Barn Owl…
The sun had just begun its descent after 3 hours of waiting patiently in a local field, leaving what was a beautiful golden field to turn quickly into shadow and (in my head) my chances of getting a good wildlife photograph being left behind. Little did I know, this tranquil evening was about to turn into a high-stakes drama!
My eyes first caught the elegant silhouette of the barn owl, gliding effortlessly over the fields. Its silent flight and ghostly appearance always leave me in awe. With my Canon R5 paired with the Canon RF100-500mm lens at the ready, I followed its graceful movements, eager to capture my last picture of the day.
But then, out of NOWHERE a shadow swooped across the sky and dived towards the barn owl – a common buzzard, its eyes locked onto the same target as the owl. My heart raced as I realised I was about to witness a thrilling clash of these two incredible predators of the sky.
Barn Owl vs Buzzard fighting for an evening meal, an incredible wildlife photography encounter
The barn owl’s quick reactions allowed it to dive towards the ground to try and escape the buzzards talons
The Encounter: A Battle for Survival
In a blink, the barn owl made a swift dive, clutching its prey with precision. Just as it was about to enjoy its hard-earned meal, the buzzard launched its attack. The air was filled with tension as the two birds engaged in a breathtaking aerial battle. The barn owl, with its acrobatic maneuvers, tried to evade the buzzard’s relentless pursuit.
I could hardly contain my excitement as I clicked away with my Canon R5 and RF100-500mm lens, capturing each moment of this fierce competition. The determination in the buzzard's eyes and the resilience of the barn owl were a stark reminder of nature’s relentless struggle for survival.
As the buzzard finally gave up on trying to snatch the prey from the owl's grasp, I was left in awe of the sheer power and raw beauty of the scene that had unfolded before me. The barn owl, champion of the battle, flew off gracefully back to base, and within 10 minutes, was back out hunting for another meal - acting completely unscathed by the attack?!
This encounter was a humbling reminder of the delicate balance in nature and the constant fight for survival that unfolds daily, often unnoticed by human eyes - a truly amazing encounter to witness, let alone photograph.
The barn owl took a quick dive to the floor to throw off the buzzard before heading back to base
Tips for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
Patience is Key: Wildlife photography often involves long hours of waiting. Stay patient, and your perseverance will pay off.
Know Your Gear: Familiarise yourself with your camera settings to quickly adapt to the dynamic changes in wildlife scenes.
Stay Stealthy: Blend into your surroundings to avoid startling the animals. Silence and stillness are your best friends.
Respect Nature: Always prioritise the well-being of the wildlife over getting the perfect shot. Maintain a respectful distance.
A Memory Etched in Time
My home town of Wimborne, Dorset, with its picturesque landscapes and rich wildlife, continues to be a treasure trove for photographers and nature lovers alike. This encounter between the barn owl and the common buzzard was more than just a photo opportunity; it was a profound experience that deepened my appreciation for the natural world.
So, grab your cameras and head out into nature – you never know what extraordinary scenes you might witness and capture!
Stay wild and keep clicking! 📸✨
