Red-backed shrike

Last time I watched red-backed shrikes in the UK Harold Wilson was prime minister, and I was waiting on the results of my O levels. Forty years on I was therefore delighted to see - unexpectedly - this young bird at Dungeness. I did have my 600mm with me, but no tripod. I was expecting any pictures to be taken from a hide, using a bean bag for support. Fortunately my wife volunteered to be a tripod substitute, and this is the result.

Nikon D200, 600mm, 250iso, 1/100th @ f7.1. Extensive cloned area on the left of the picture to remove an area of oof leaves.

A good subject to get in the viewfinder and a pleasing image. A slight head turn towards the camera would have been a bonus, but sometimes you just have to get what you can.
Good one.

'Behind every good man there is an even better woman' so the old saying goes. A rare opportunity exploited to the full. Well done indeed.

Hi David

Kent is certainly producing a few 'gems' this year!

David

Thanks for that everybody. Justin, I agree with you about angle of the head. Eventually the bird flew into a tree just above our heads, and I could take all the shots I wanted with my 70-300. It kept on moving its head around, but as you can see from the extra picture I have attached, there was another big clump of leaves in the way.
David T. - in this case the even better woman was in front!
David K. - you are right, and it is only early September.

David

Another good one David. I don't find the leaves a problem in the slightest, all part and parcel of the setting. In fact if anything I think the image benefits from them, may be a bit too clinically perfect without them.

Hi David,

Both great shots IMO, think I prefer the second! Fantastic birds, I always get jealous when people say they used to see these regularly in the good old days. My neighbour had a pair breeding in his garden through the 50s!

Cheers,

Lewis.

Nice shots David , never seen one of these , sorry to hear that your wife has three legs !.

Bob.

Nice capture! I also prefer the second image, complete with leaves. A little more space in that one would be nice if you have it.

A very nice pair of images David and glad the wife came in handy.. The second image works best in my opinion but agree that a little more space would be great. Some nice details throughout. Good work.

Brett