Introduction

The Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) is a slender, agile raptor native to the grasslands and savannahs of the Americas, known for its striking plumage and dynamic hunting style. Photographing this elegant falcon at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire offers a rare opportunity to observe and capture the beauty of this species up close, allowing photographers to refine their birds of prey photography without the challenges of a wild environment, read more about Aplomado Falcon Photography.

Table of Contents

This post shares first-hand photography insights, field notes, and practical tips for capturing the Aplomado Falcon’s speed, elegance, and striking presence in your wildlife portfolio.

Location: Millets Falconry Centre, Oxfordshire

? Millets Falconry Centre
Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5HB
Visit Millets Falconry Website

Millets Falconry is one of the South of England’s best venues for wildlife and falconry photographers, offering:

Easy parking
On-site café and farm shop
Daily flying displays
Photographer-friendly staff and clear viewing areas

Displays are held in open, well-lit environments that allow photographers to capture clean, dynamic action shots with minimal distractions.

The Falconry Experience for Photographers

Photographing the Aplomado Falcon is a thrilling experience, combining the fast-paced action of a smaller falcon with the opportunity for beautiful portrait studies during perched moments.

Key practical notes:

Flying Displays: Typically mid-morning and afternoon. Arrive early for a clear position.
Lighting: Natural light is excellent; overcast skies can add mood and soften harsh shadows.
Lens Recommendation: A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens offers flexibility for portraits and flight.
Tripods/Monopods: Generally not needed; handheld shooting is better for tracking this agile falcon.

The Aplomado’s speed, agility, and hovering abilities challenge your autofocus tracking skills, making it an ideal subject for honing birds-in-flight techniques.

About the Aplomado Falcon

Found in open habitats across Central and South America and parts of the southern United States, the Aplomado Falcon is an agile predator that hunts insects, small birds, and mammals in dramatic aerial pursuits.

Table of Facts for Your Field Notes

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Falco femoralis
Wingspan	85–95 cm
Weight	250–350 grams
Speed	Fast, agile flight; can hover
Distinct Features	Grey head, white face with dark moustache, rufous belly
Habitat	Grasslands, savannahs, open woodlands
Diet	Birds, insects, small mammals
Call	Repeated “klee-klee-klee” calls

Its slim build, striking facial markings, and vibrant rufous underparts make it a photogenic subject, rewarding patient photographers with beautiful images.

Aplomado Falcon Facts for Photographers

Plumage and Markings

The Aplomado Falcon features a grey head, bold dark moustache, white face, and rich rufous belly, offering contrast against green and blue backgrounds for vibrant portraits and action shots.

Flight Behaviour

Known for hovering and rapid direction changes, it offers exciting opportunities to practise fast-tracking and panning techniques.

Portrait Opportunities

Between flights, this falcon often perches upright with an alert, focused gaze, allowing you to capture intense eyes, sharp facial markings, and feather detail in portraits.

Photography Tips for Aplomado Falcons

✅ Shutter Speed: Use 1/2500s or faster to freeze wing motion during fast flights.
✅ Focus Mode: AI Servo/Continuous AF for tracking.
✅ Burst Mode: Capture sequences for wing positions and eye contact.
✅ Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for sharpness while maintaining subject separation.
✅ Composition: Leave space in the direction of flight for a sense of movement.
✅ Eye Contact: The Aplomado’s piercing eyes are key to engaging portraits; anticipate head turns for direct gaze shots.

Closing Thoughts

Photographing the Aplomado Falcon at Millets Falconry blends the thrill of action photography with the opportunity to capture striking portraits of one of the world’s most elegant falcons.

Its agility, beautiful plumage, and photogenic expressions make it an ideal subject for wildlife photographers seeking to expand their birds of prey portfolio and refine birds-in-flight skills in a controlled environment.

Whether you’re working on dynamic wildlife action shots or focusing on raptor portraits, the Aplomado Falcon offers an inspiring and rewarding photography session.

FAQ

Q: What lens is best for photographing the Aplomado Falcon at Millets Falconry?
A: A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens provides the flexibility needed for fast action and close portraits.

Q: Is the Aplomado Falcon fast in flight?
A: Yes, it is agile with rapid direction changes, requiring quick autofocus and fast shutter speeds.

Q: Can I photograph the falcon in flight at Millets?
A: Yes, Millets Falconry’s flying displays allow photographers to capture dynamic in-flight images safely.

Q: Do I need prior experience to photograph this falcon?
A: No, Millets Falconry provides a supportive environment for beginners while ensuring the welfare of the birds.

Q: What camera settings should I start with?
A: Start with 1/2500s, f/5.6–f/8, and ISO 400–800, adjusting based on lighting to maintain fast shutter speeds.

Aplomado Falcon Photography at Millets Falconry: Capturing Agile Elegance

Introduction

Location: Millets Falconry Centre, Oxfordshire

The Falconry Experience for Photographers