Not the shot I had in mind.
This Sparrowhawk is about to launch into an attack and I wanted to catch it with its wings outstretched.
NO CHANCE!
I crancked up the ISO and hit the shutter as soon as I thought it was about to strike.
Even at 12 f.p.s, the next shot in the frame was just a blur and it was barely recognisable as a Sparrowhawk.
It had been perched for several minutes watching the small birds. I don't know what the trigger is that makes it choose one bird over another, I do know that when its brain sends the signal, it reacts in a time frame that mere humans cannot comprehend.
Although I couldn't react quickly enough, the Greenfinch that it had in the "cross hairs" was quick enough to take evasive action - showing the fine balance between predator and prey.
This bird is a young male and over the coming weeks, the yellow eye will turn to marmalade orange and it will take on the stunning plumage of an adult.
I hope it stays around and maybe give me another chance to get the shot I desperately want.
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