Juvenile Cuckoo

Saw this whilst out looking for hobbies. There's a cattle enclosure near the edge of the conservation area at RSPB Otmoor, and I spotted this bird sat on one of the wooden fences. It flew off initially, but then returned and landed pretty close to where I'd chosen to stand.

From there, it caught several cinnabar caterpillars, by swooping down into the undergrowth, returning to a perch, bashing the insides out, and then wolfing each one down.

Taken with a Canon 50D, 500mm F4 IS + 1.4TC, tripod mounted. Pretty much a full frame shot. Processed through Raw Therapee, Elements and Neat Image.

ISO 200, F7.1, 1/640th, AP Mode, 0EC, 700mm

I doubt I'll get many chances to photograph such an elusive bird again, so I took a fair few shots. It eventually flew off further into the reserve when more birders wandered over.

Excellent
I am sure a good many people would be very pleased to have a Cuckoo image as good as this in there collection. Nicely framed and good BG top shot.

Cheers
Nigel
www.nigelspencer.co.uk

cracking shot Pete

Great find and capture,wonderful to see

A great capture, beautifully exposed. You were lucky to see this, but you have made the most of the opportunity.

David

Nice one Pete


You lucky so and so

Superb in every respect

Lovely portrait, great opportunity well taken

Hi Pete.
Bet your pleased this gave you a second chance,very nice capture.

Keithy.

Great shot Pete, super detail and colouring, wish it were mine
Bronia

Lucky? Moi? Thanks for the comments.

An opportunity well taken Pete, some good detail in the eye.


Calum

Excellent Cuckoo shot Pete, you have some very fine shots on your website, especially like some of the Kingfisher shots.

Andy...

Love it...its a fantastic shot and find.

Ian