King Eider by Samuel Langlois
There seems to have been a King Eider on the Ythan Estuary since I started birding; I remember photographing one there in 1985, but the results certainly weren't up to the quality of this week's top image by Samuel Langlois.
This is a stunning close-up portrait, taken in perfect (evening) light which has enhanced and enriched the beautiful colours of this bird. The open bill gives this shot that little bit extra, while the exposure of 1/3200th second at f7.1 on ISO 250 is spot on, showing all the fine detail in the shadows and highlights.
Congratulations to Sam on his Photo of the Week. He used a 100–400 mm lens at the 400 mm setting to take this wonderful winner.
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
Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Denmark (Photo: Christian Leth)
Starling, Preston, Lancashire (Photo: Martin Jump)
River Warbler, Hungary (Photo: John Rowe)
Cuckoo, undisclosed site, North Yorkshire (Photo: Antony Ward)
Spotted Flycatcher, Colwyn Bay, Conwy (Photo: Bob Garrett)
Yellowhammer, Widecombe in the Moor, Devon (Photo: Gray Clements)
Redstart, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (Photo: Clive daelman)
Puffin, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Photo: Gordon Bowes)
Icterine Warbler, Laggan, Highland (Photo: Dennis Morrison)
Sand Martin, Ballyclare, Antrim (Photo: Ian Dickey)
Channel Wagtail, undisclosed site, Lothian (Photo: S Gillies)
Ptarmigan, Cairn Gorm, Highland (Photo: Marcus Conway - ebirder)
