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 birds of prey up close, allowing photographers to refine their skills in a controlled environment. If you’re looking to build confidence with moving subjects, this is an excellent stepping stone into more challenging field work such as photographing brown hares in the wild or photographing roe deer in natural environments.
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.
Experiences like this act as a bridge between controlled environments and real-world wildlife encounters, helping you develop the fieldcraft needed for more unpredictable settings such as photography at RSPB Ham Wall or quieter local habitats like Ashford Hill wildlife areas, where subjects are less predictable and patience becomes essential.
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.
These techniques translate directly into other wildlife scenarios, from tracking small, fast-moving birds like blue tit photography to more patient, observational subjects such as photographing seals along the British coastline.
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 looking to refine their technique before heading into more unpredictable environments. For a broader approach to developing both your skills and mindset, explore my wildlife photography for mental health guide or return to the Wildlife Photography Hub.
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.
This article is part of my Wildlife Photography hub series.
