I didn't plan to take photos of birds in flight, but sometimes the opportunity really does present itself. The herons in Regent's Park are nest-building at the moment and were criss-crossing the lake where it opens up into a large expanse. What's more, they were flying low, giving some solid backgrounds… nearly always preferable aesthetically, though creating more variables to cope with (as well as an increased risk of losing focus). For most of these shots I had the camera set to manual (aperture/speed) to avoid rapid the effect of rapid light changes. The focusing was on auto tracking (AI Servo in Canon-speak).
Anyway, here are a few shots…
The ducks were also very active, and when I say ducks, I mean 'mallards'. 
The final shot for tonight is indeed 'in flight' and so fits with the theme of today's entry, though the species might not be what you are expecting 😉
The trail cam caught glimpses of three foxes overnight… including (I think) the one with a limp. Good news is the limp seems to be gone. 🙂
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM.
Words
13 Jan 2011Lois, thanks! I'm not sure we can compete with your spoonbills though!
Words
13 Jan 2011Neil, thanks. I love watching the herons fly. It's such a lazy movement, but so powerful. As for the rat… I couldn't resist posting that shot.
Ukwildlife
13 Jan 2011Nice. The herons are quite prehistoric in flight. That rat pics a classic!
cakkleberrylane
13 Jan 2011WOW!! Awesome shots, every one!! The last one is definately a surprise!
Cynthia23
14 Jan 2011Another WOW! from me also! Really awesome photos!
SittingFox
14 Jan 2011Superrat! :eyes:
wellisteffi
14 Jan 2011Great pictures.
The 1. Flightpicture is beautiful.
But the last one is awesome.
Does it go far for the
Summer Olympic Games of the animals? :yikes:
gdare
14 Jan 2011Originally posted by SittingFox:
+1 This is amazing :eyes:
Dudley
14 Jan 2011Flying Rats! :eyes:
Words
15 Jan 2011Erwin, thanks!
Words
15 Jan 2011Adele, 'Super Rat'! I like it :up:
Words
15 Jan 2011Darko, thanks!
Words
15 Jan 2011Cynthia, thanks! It's quite lively there at the moment!
Words
15 Jan 2011Steffi, I wonder what the Mayor would say if I suggested London use rats as a symbol for the Olympics! Intelligent, athletic, social! It could work 😀
Words
15 Jan 2011Andy, :cheers:
wellisteffi
15 Jan 2011Until 2012, it is still time.
Let's see if London is then
Hotbed for athletic rats? :eyes: 😆
Mickeyjoe-Irl
15 Jan 2011It's a bird! :left:
It's a plane! :right:
No, it's a rat. :whistle:
Words
16 Jan 2011Mick, hey we could make a movie out of it. 😆
serola
16 Jan 2011Hilarious surprise picture! 😆 😆 😆
Words
16 Jan 2011Thanks Sami!
Words
16 Jan 2011We've been beaten to it 🙁 Rat Man
Mickeyjoe-Irl
16 Jan 2011Originally posted by Words:
Ratman?
Mickeyjoe-Irl
16 Jan 2011Words
16 Jan 2011da-na na-na na-na na-na RATman!!
Mickeyjoe-Irl
17 Jan 2011Dang
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Lovely