If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that I enjoy photographing kestrels and that I'm fortunate to have some great kestrel country on my doorstep. It was far too nice today to sit in and watch the football (though tomorrow afternoon that's exactly what I'll be doing despite the glorious weather ;)). Instead I went in search of the local falcons… I didn't have to wait long.
It's carrying a vole, and was having a very successful afternoon. A little while later I caught this shot as it stooped for another kill…
This time I was able to follow it as it gathered up its prey…
The valley where I take these is reclaimed downland, and there are small thickets and coppices where smaller birds thrive. This blackbird has a hungry brood to feed.
Nearby there's a small colony of whitethroats. 
The fledglings are now hopping among the lower branches. 
And all around the skylarks fill the air with their song. 
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. I used a monopod for some of the shots (the whitethroat fledgling was taken at 1/125s).
dmfalmeida
27 Jun 2010Oh my… It's amazing what you can do with a camera in hands.
Thanks for the post.
RobinL
27 Jun 2010Wonderful shots. Your in flight shots are so good. I have a hard time just following and yet you get a Kestrel in a dive. Amazing!
SittingFox
27 Jun 2010Beautiful photos Words! :up: It's pretty rare to see a skylark that isn't either on the ground or in the sky!
Words
28 Jun 2010Robin, I missed the dive several times. It's so sudden and swift, but I was far enough away to track this one.
Words
28 Jun 2010Dan, thanks! I just watch and point the camera… but it's taught me to see what is all around.
Words
28 Jun 2010Adele, the skylark was singing so strongly that I couldn't help but finally locate where it was perched. It was nice to get a shot with the crest displaying.
Words
28 Jun 2010Thanks Erwin!
Ukwildlife
6 Jul 2010Top notch kestrels and skylark
Words
6 Jul 2010Thanks Neil!
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Wonderful shots