This is one of those birds I hear all the time, but rarely manage to get decent photos. Today though, out in some local woodland, I was in luck. There were plenty of misses (of course) as it ducked behind branches, but there were enough clear views to make it worthwhile persisting. The Great Tit has a very distinctive call, which is described variously as Teacher Teacher, but to me sounds like nothing other than a squeaking wheel. It's also been described as the song of the melting snow.
Those shots were taken early this morning. At lunchtime I went to some local fields which were being besieged by flocks of pigeons.
There was one lone bird in the air as well. In the distance a peregrine falcon crossed the skyline. It was barely visible, even through the lens, but it's always a thrill to see them working the skies.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
cakkleberrylane
16 Mar 2011Very nice set of photos! What a treat to be able to capture such an elusive bird!
SittingFox
16 Mar 2011I guess predators go where the prey is, and that peregrine is spoilt for choice there! :eyes:
gdare
16 Mar 2011Teacher Teacher again 😉 😀
Words
16 Mar 2011Thanks Erwin!
Words
16 Mar 2011Adele, I tend to see sparrowhawks around there (usually diving into the woodland at high speed), so the peregrine was a treat. And yes, it's good hunting ground for them!
Words
16 Mar 2011Darko, yes 😀
Words
16 Mar 2011Lois, thanks! The peregrine was a nice spot.
Mickeyjoe-Irl
17 Mar 2011Originally posted by Words:
I like that. 🙂
wellisteffi
17 Mar 2011Great pictures. :up:
Words
17 Mar 2011Mick, I wish I could remember who told me that. I'm sure it's someone here on My Opera who comes from northern Europe.
Words
17 Mar 2011Steffi, thanks!
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Very Nice