Barn Owls by Andy Thompson
Barn Owl is one of the most popular subjects on Iris, and photos of birds hunting in flight and perched on posts are a regular feature of this gallery; but this image by Andy Thompson of two birds together is something a little bit different.
Andy has managed that extra something in this captivating portrait, with one bird preening the other as they perch together at a roosting site. Using a 600 mm lens has meant he was able to keep a safe distance away from the owls; ISO 640, a shutter speed of 1/1000th second and f7 aperture have all combined to capture a very interesting behavioural shot.
Congratulations to Andy on his POTW, our third winner this year.
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
Crested Tit, Belgium (Photo: Marc FASOL)
Kingfisher, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway (Photo: Gordon Speirs)
Jay, Newborough Forest, Anglesey (Photo: Dave Williams)
Great Tit, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (Photo: Clive daelman)
Bullfinch, Cheadle, Staffordshire (Photo: Tony Kinder)
Wren, Wayoh Reservoir, Lancashire (Photo: John Barlow)
Barn Owl, Rye Harbour NR, East Sussex (Photo: Toby Houlton)
Great Northern Diver, West Kirby Marine Lake, Cheshire (Photo: Steve Round)
White-tailed Eagle, Mull, Argyll (Photo: Bryan Rains)
Buzzard, Stone, Worcestershire (Photo: Vern Wright)
Sparrowhawk, Rufford CP, Nottinghamshire (Photo: Kevin Clarke)
Red-necked Grebe, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire (Photo: Mark Johnson)
Alpine Accentor, Italy (Photo: Natalino Fenech)
