I was out in the garden early this afternoon. A small group of starlings caught my attention. They were neatly grouped and offered a good opportunity for a photograph.
I took several shots them as they flew across the sky, and still had the camera aimed at them when they turned and headed back across the garden. In somewhat of a hurry! I think I was as shocked as they were when the lens refocused:
The starlings escaped unscathed on this occasion, but it was a timely reminder on the RSPB's Big Garden BirdWatch day of just how tough a bird's life can be. Follow this link for the rest of the sparrowhawk hunting sequence.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens
12 Comments
What a lucky catch! (Well, perhaps not for the starlings…) Great shot. I rarely get the lens focussed in time when a raptor goes overhead; having it all already set up must be marvellous!
Right place, right time, right lens…etc., etc.! Nice one!
Wow!!!
That’s an amazing shot! I feel sort of sad for the little starlings though.
Adele, for once I was set up. I occasionally follow groups of birds across the sky if nothing else is worth photographing. I don't often keep any of the shots though. It was a heck of a surprise when I saw it appear in the viewfinder!
Vulpes, yes for once I was ready. It sort of cancels out all those 'missed opportunities' with wrong lens, wrong speed, wrong everything.
Eric, the starlings got away this time. I have seen one zoom at low level across the garden, with a sparrowhawk in hot pursuit about 8 or 10 feet above the ground. They were gone in a flash, but I suspect the end was very 'nigh'.
Darko, thanks!
The Black Rabbit writes:
What a wonderful sequence!
First class. Again!
Perfect:yes: a bit like my encounter while in Manchester, didnt have the right camera though, so these shots are better:D
Mark, that's what I enjoy so much about it. Much of the time one element is missing, but just occasionally everything falls into place.
Thanks Black Rabbit!