Modern autofocus techniques are enabling hen photographers to seize what may as soon as have appeared like unimaginable photographs, with fast-moving small passerines in flight being a very good instance of this. Fifteen years in the past, producing this excellent flight shot of a Brambling – this Monday’s Photo of the Week winner, which was expertly captured by Martin Abbess – would have been little greater than a dream. Yet right here we’re, in 2024, with Martin having completely nailed this tremendous male, wings outstretched and caught in an unimaginable pose so that each little element of this particular finch’s plumage will be celebrated. As nicely because the wings, the hen’s head is turned as if to look straight on the digital camera and it is exhausting to think about bettering this picture in some ways – little doubt the photographer was over the moon when reviewing his pictures! Congratulations to Martin on his second POTW win of the 12 months, following January’s Red-breasted Merganser.
Other notable pictures
Ring Ouzel, Cleeve Common, Gloucestershire (Mark Dowie).
Myrtle Warbler, Kilwinning, Ayrshire (Tom Hines).
Dark-eyed Junco, Gillingham, Dorset (David Carr).
Common Rock Thrush, Paphos, Paphos (Mark Darling).
Rook, Pett Level, East Sussex (Mali Halls).
Great Crested Grebe, Lakeside CP, Hampshire (Ian Wells).
Mediterranean Gull, Grouville Bay, Jersey (Romano Da Costa).
Long-tailed Duck, Båtsfjord, Finnmark (Robbie Brookes).
Common Sandpiper, Bidston, Cheshire (Pierre Montieth).
Black-winged Stilt, S’Albufera de Mallorca, Mallorca (Roger Ridley).
Grey Heron, Strumpshaw Fen RSPB, Norfolk (Nick Clayton).
Western Marsh Harrier, Strumpshaw Fen RSPB, Norfolk (Nick Clayton).
