King Eider by Richard Stonier
Judging by the images submitted of the first-year female King Eider in Wales it was hit or miss whether it was close enough for good-quality photography; well, on the day that Richard Stonier visited it looks like it was a “hit” trip with this stunning flight shot that takes this week’s top spot.
July is moulting season so not the greatest time to photograph wildfowl, but this bird is still looking good with noticeable wear only on the primaries in this shot; nicely caught on the downbeat, the image is pin-sharp showing all the features and detail, with the perfect weather providing a nice blue sky background.
Congratulations to Richard, who took his winning capture using a 600mm lens, 1.4× converter and shot at 1/2500th second, f5.6 on ISO400.
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
Puffin, Farne Islands, Northumberland (Photo: Jamie MacArthur)
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Haldon Forest, Devon (Photo: Charlie Fleming)
Little Owl, Druridge Pools, Northumberland (Photo: Heiko Peters)
Sparrowhawk, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (Photo: Simon Richardson)
Wilson's Storm Petrel, Scilly pelagic, Isles of Scilly (Photo: Joe Pender)
Swallow, Crail, Fife (Photo: John Anderson)
Common Tern, Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex (Photo: Will Rawles)
Avocet, Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk (Photo: Jake Gearty)
Oystercatcher, Blithfield Reservoir, Staffordshire (Photo: Tony Kinder)
Little Grebe, Cromford, Derbyshire (Photo: Clive Daelman)
Goldfinch, Ogston Reservoir, Derbyshire (Photo: Mary Wilde)
