Photo hoot

Andrew Mason finds and photographs one of the UK's most beloved birds

- Andrew Mason

Barn owls are one of five species of owl that are resident in the UK. Watching one silently quarter a meadow at dusk or dawn as it hunts for food is an incredible experience. With their heart-shaped faces and pale feathers, they are beautiful birds and one of my favourite subjects to photograph. Here’s how you can find and photograph them too.

Expert Tip

If your camera doesn’t have AF Subject Detection, you can use your preferred AF Area Mode. Dynamic-area AF, Group AF and good old single-point AF are all fantastic options that have served wildlife photographers for years.