Brambling by Martin Abbess

 

 

Modern autofocus systems are enabling bird photographers to capture what might once have seemed like impossible photos, with fast-moving small passerines in flight being a good example of this. Fifteen years ago, producing this perfect flight shot of a Brambling – this Monday's Photo of the Week winner, which was expertly captured by Martin Abbess – would have been little more than a dream. Yet here we are, in 2024, with Martin having absolutely nailed this fine male, wings outstretched and caught in an incredible pose so that every little detail of this special finch's plumage can be celebrated. As well as the wings, the bird's head is turned as if to look straight at the camera and it's hard to imagine bettering this photo in many ways – no doubt the photographer was over the moon when reviewing his images! Congratulations to Martin on his second POTW win of the year, following January's Red-breasted Merganser.

 

 

Other notable images

 

Ring Ouzel, Cleeve Common, Gloucestershire (Mark Dowie).

Myrtle Warbler, Kilwinning, Ayrshire (Tom Hines).

Dark-eyed Junco, Gillingham, Dorset (David Carr).

Common Rock Thrush, Paphos, Paphos (Mark Darling).

Rook, Pett Level, East Sussex (Mali Halls).

Great Crested Grebe, Lakeside CP, Hampshire (Ian Wells).

Mediterranean Gull, Grouville Bay, Jersey (Romano Da Costa).

Long-tailed Duck, Båtsfjord, Finnmark (Robbie Brookes).

Common Sandpiper, Bidston, Cheshire (Pierre Montieth).

Black-winged Stilt, S'Albufera de Mallorca, Mallorca (Roger Ridley).

Grey Heron, Strumpshaw Fen RSPB, Norfolk (Nick Clayton).

Western Marsh Harrier, Strumpshaw Fen RSPB, Norfolk (Nick Clayton).