Goshawk by Mike Warburton
The anticipation when sitting in your own hide waiting for any species of bird is always exciting, but when the subject is a Goshawk and it finally lands on the chosen perch in front of you, then that is a little bit special.
Mike Warburton used a zoom lens set at 421mm and shot at 1/25th second to take this stunning image; the pose is a perfect side-on profile with the head slightly turned to show off the frowning expression, and a diffuse background enhances the overall picture.
With only a 10% "show" rate at his site Mike has taken full advantage of this opportunity and captured a delightful winning image that fully deserves our congratulations.
You can read more on bird photography from Steve Young, including product reviews and a regular Photo Challenge for readers, every month in Birdwatch magazine.
Other notable images
Kestrel, Saltholme RSPB, Cleveland (Photo: Richard Laverack)
Dartford Warbler, Arne RSPB, Dorset (Photo: Jim Hutchins)
Hen Harrier, undisclosed site, Northumberland (Photo: Derek Bilton)
Bittern, Llyn Coed-y-Dinas, Powys (Photo: Mark Wilson)
Stonechat, undisclosed site, Gloucestershire (Photo: Mike McKenzie)
Waxwing, Birdwell, South Yorkshire (Photo: Peter Garrity)
Royal Tern, Miellette, Guernsey (Photo: Dan Scott)
Long-tailed Tit, Spital, Cheshire (Photo: Steve Round)
Treecreeper, Brackenfield, Derbyshire (Photo: Mary Wilde)
Dipper, Bradford Dale, Derbyshire (Photo: Paul Coombes)
Alpine Accentor, France (Photo: Marc FASOL)
Rose-coloured Starling, Crawley, West Sussex (Photo: Sandra Palme)
