Sparrowhawk V Starling

[William Dickson]

Canon 1DX Mk2
f/4 400mm DO Mk2
f/4
1/800
ISO 2500

This is one from the start of my photoshoot with these birds....The Sparrowhawk had just caught the Starling in flight and dragged the bird into a small ditch, hence the POV....Not the best of BG's, but that didn't put me off, when something like this presents itself....I did try different settings during the 30 minutes I had with them, but I liked the facial expressions on the birds here, which sort of tells the story of what was about to happen. ACR..Topaz DN..PS2021...

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

What an opportunity! I love the sparrowhawk towering over the terrified starling. I see what you mean about the BG, but considering the situation it is more than OK with me. The twigs in upper right are a bigger issue IMO, and could be eliminated with some TLC (and a combination of content aware/patch/clone). Nonetheless, I love it as is too, and it is a great natural history moment.

[Brian Sump]

Will, I distinctly recall the image you posted of this species (perhaps the exact same subject?) several weeks ago. I was in awe, so nice.

Here, some interaction most of us won't ever see. Love the pose on the Hawk and the drama of the squealing Starling. The eyes say so much.

AFA the bkg, I agree with Daniel. It all works for me, and if you wanted to clone out the branches it would probably help but I'd wish to have it as is too.

Awesome.

[William Dickson]

Thanks for that guys.....I did remove some of the twigs, but decided to leave the remaining ones, as it looks like the Hawks wing is entangled in them....but, yes I will try a version without the twigs.

Will

[Arthur Morris]

This is an amazing image from where I sit. The framing is perfect. With all the eyes sharp on the exact same plane not to mention two perfect head angles.

Were you on foot???

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

with love, artie

[William Dickson]

This is an amazing image from where I sit. The framing is perfect. With all the eyes sharp on the exact same plane not to mention two perfect head angles.

Were you on foot???

Congrats and thanks for sharing.

with love, artie

Thanks for that Artie....I was in the hoose.....heard a squealing noise from outside, I thought was a gull, as I am overlooking the harbour...I looked out...and couldn't believe my luck...on my doorstep during Covid lockdown....The birds come to me

Will

[annmpacheco]

Fantastic opportunity and you certainly made the best of it. Sorry to hear it was a 30 minute death battle, I am sure you have many images . The starling's expression sums it up for me as if it is pleading for its life. Well done Will

[Paul Burdett]

Superb shot Will...couldn't ask for a better situation to ease the "Covid blues". TFS

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Will ... you lucky dude !!!
Stunning action and it is overwhelming any " potential flaws " ,
Love the captured action .

Cool capture !!!

TFS Andreas

[Ian McLachlan]

Keep them coming please Will. But beautiful light and nature in action.

[Joseph Przybyla]

All been said, wonderful image. Thank you for sharing.

[gail bisson]

What a wonderful opportunity and you made the most of it!
perfect HA's.
I am Ok with BG, not crazy about branches in RUC but the action overrides this minor nit.

[dankearl]

Pretty cool, seems like a good PS guy could erase those twigs easy...

[John Mack]

Thirty minutes? That's crazy. I do like the interaction. Image quality is quite nice as well. Love the yellow eye on the hawk.

[William Dickson]

Thanks for that guys, much appreciated.

Will