We had, about a month back, one of those beautiful days that make photography not only a pleasure, but also a chance to nail some great detail.
The Hobby pair were still feeding the young, and the male was providing a steady assortment of snacks.
Here is one delivery from the series
- The male flies in and sets on a well used exchange branch. He then calls, softly, and she has been sitting high of the nest on another tree. Without hesitation she glides to meet him. You can just see her wing in the top of the frame.
- With a minimum of fuss she quickly acquires the prize
- In barely the blink of an eye and she is on her way. As usual he is intent of watching, I assume to be ready to quickly pickup if she slips (not likely)
- Securely tucked up, she is on her way
- And a quick look at one of the young, now only a few days from flying.
- In barely the blink of an eye and she is on her way. As usual he is intent of watching, I assume to be ready to quickly pickup if she slips (not likely)
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
A terrific series of images, David. They are so efficient with the feeding of the young!
Looks like it was a perfect day to be out with the camera too!
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They are great birds, and just when you think you’ve got them worked out. They change the game. 🙂
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These are such wonderful behavioural shots, amplified by your comments, eg of the soft call he utters to her.
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Thanks Eleanor, they are not a bird I’ve had muh real bush time with, mostly see them on a tree, speeding by, or launching from a post. So interesting to see how they differ in actions to some of the other raptors
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Absolutely stunningly amazing captures David, their plumage patterns so beautiful against the blue sky. Sad though these birds feed on little birds, but that is how it is in their world. I am noticing more how important fanning the tail is for landing in most birds. Hope you continue to get some lovely clear days, we have another today and got out yesterday for a birding date.
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Hi Ashley, they are I think our most beautifully marked raptor. Can’t get involved in their seemingly choice of diet, the poet, prophet Isiah would write, “And the birds of prey will spend the summer feeding on them,
And all the beasts of the earth will spend harvest time on them.”
They do have amazing control in the air, each feather is independantly controlled, took me a while to grasp that. It is really finger tip control. 🙂
Looking forward to 40+ days for a few days.
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This image of the female taking off with the swallow is simply breathtaking. Great post with fabulous photos again. Thanks David.
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Hi Adam, single handedly I think they have put quite a dent in the local swallow and fairy martin population. But, then the little birds get several goes at nest, so it must even out somehow.
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