Harris Hawk On My Case

This Harris hawk nearly took my head off! No joke well.. yes he was obviously having a laugh..... AND he did it again and again!! Must be viewed large!

The girl flying him thought it was hysterical...'Did you get that?' .... LOL. I didn't swerve in the face of adversity - The lady wasn't for turning. Into the tree and out back over my head he swooped - brushing my hair each time. To a lot of laughs I might add. Being a diver and having been in some very sticky situations I wasn't too worried that he would crash and burn - they are not stupid and do know what they are doing! At least 6 flyovers later, the shot still eluded me with the focus at close range .. It was very near and very quick.

Underwater in Florida we went to Eagle-ray Ledges and 2 eagle rays 5m across came straight for me in the gloom - each the size of a truck. Female stopped within cms of my face..eye to eye then swirled round to sit, panting underneath me. Massive male in pursuit swam up, round, spiralling me. He didn't touch but I could feel the water rushing past. I did at this point close my eyes... regretted it ever since! So an eyes open scenario here!

Then you have this Black Kite flying later, winging in wonderfully - what a sight with the meat being retrieved. He had it in his talons and then manoeuvred it towards his beak . You can even see his tongue in this shot!