What a beakfull!

Had an enjoyable day with a pair of these yeaterday in pretty good light conditions for this type of work.

Although there were plenty of shots with nice clean b/g's and fuller in the frame ones too, I actually liked the oak tree leaves this shot's background provided - it's the classic environment to find them in after all.

I know it's a bit central and the stick's a bit thick, but it's the one he used most of the time before entering the nestbox so you have to go with what's there sometimes - not all shots can be set-up after all!

40D
500mm + 1.4t/c
ISO400
f5.6
1/80

Mark

Beautiful shot - the depth of field is spot on to just allow the shapes of the leaves to be seen. A bit more space to the left might improve the comp slightly by making the bird less central but as you say - not easy to setup. Good stuff. Tristan

that's a very nice shot. The leafy setting works very well and the beak full of insects really adds to the image. I would perhaps prefer a bit more space to the left and not so much above the bird, but that's a minor nit.

Matt

Hi Mark. Nice light,nice bird.For me the branch is too big, small bird, small perch. It is a shame that we can`t see the bird tale and that is because of the size of the branch.
Best wishes
Frederic

Whilst i agree with Frederic-i would be pleased to have this on file-fine looking bird in nice light

Dave

You takes what you get sometimes and I'd take this anytime! Nice work.
Dave

Looks very good to me. Good t identify oak leaves in the bg and a beakful of goodies. Tells you everything that matters about Pied Flys.
Eric

Nice one.At least no rings !
My son and I spent two weeks setting up a hide on one, very carefully, and when we did it yesterday both the birds had 4 rings on - 2 rings on each leg ! I just did.nt wantto do it. When we found the nest the birds were un ringed so they had both been caught in the nest..!! Have contacted the BTO.
JohnR

Hi Mark,

Beautiful image!