Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo with falconer

We went with train from Salzburg to Werfen and visited in the Hohenwerfen Castle and Birds of Prey Show. I captured a photo of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo and his falconer and used The Rule of Thirds as a composition guide. Little info: Very large and powerful owl with obvious ear tufts, deep orange eyes, and finely streaked pale buffy underparts. Active mainly at night, but can be seen perched up on prominent lookouts at dusk, searching for prey. Can be found roosting during the day in shady canopy or caves. Pairs often duet, with the male giving a deep, resounding hoot and the female giving a hoarser, higher-pitched one. Inhabits a wide range of habitats, from forests to rocky canyons, but generally abundant nowhere.

Hohenwerfen Castle (German: Festung Hohenwerfen, lit. 'Hohenwerfen Fortress') is a medieval rock castle, situated on a 623-metre (2,044 ft)[1] precipice overlooking the Austrian market town of Werfen in the Salzach valley, approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Salzburg. The fortress is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the adjacent Tennen Mountains. Hohenwerfen is a "sister" of Hohensalzburg Fortress, both built by the Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century.

Hohenwerfen Castle, more than 900 years old, is enthroned on the steep rocky hill high above the Salzach Valley. During a visit to the medieval walls, you will not only learn interesting facts about life in earlier times, but you can also watch the impressive bird of prey show at the historic State Falconry. Falcons, vultures, eagles and other native birds of prey show off their flying skills several times a day and provide insights into the centuries-old art of falconry.
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