Bird of Prey

Out of the murky dark
flies the bird of prey
black wings swooping—hark!
Do you hear its fearsome cry?

It turns on feathered pinion
soaring high, gliding low
surveying its dominion
and giving voice to woe.

While you are sleeping
its claws are ever reaching
so pray for angels’ keeping
lest death you will be reaping.

~

Watch out for those ghosts and ghoulies on this night of frights! And birds of prey of course. Or, perhaps more aptly, watch out for stomachaches from too much candy.

I had such fun creating this picture. It was not originally intended for a Halloween story at all however. While looking through my suitcase of props, on a whim I pulled a golden mask out to play with. Highly reflective and with such flat planes, it was quite menacing on, I realised – especially with such narrow slits for eyes that accentuate the whites. And so the idea of the Bird of Prey was hatched.

A pair of black wings and my amazingly versatile (who’d have thought?) vintage 80s gold foil rah-rah skirt complete the costume. The tiers flap up and down in the most fearsome way too, though the most important aspect of my bird of prey is physicality. Leaning into the camera, hunching the shoulders and crooking fingers to resemble grasping talons help create a sinister mood.

In the end it was quite difficult to choose my favourite scary picture, so check out the Out-takes & Extras gallery for more.

Have fun on your Hallowed Eve!