Common Kestrel by Robert Booth

 

 

In a week where any of several images might have won POTW, Robert Booth's mesmerising close-up of a flying Common Kestrel edged out the victory.

This phenomenal image captures the kestrel in an arresting, head-on pose, with a truly remarkable level of detail in the bird's plumage, eyes and bill. Robert clearly has a great set-up that allows him such a close approach to these birds, but the image still needs executing. This, as well, as the processing of the winning image, can't be falted. Congratulations to Robert!

 

Other notable images

 

Little Tern, undisclosed site, Hampshire (Matthew Barfield).

Eurasian Stone-curlew, undisclosed, Castilla-La Mancha (Green Bunion).

Squacco Heron, Pagham Harbour LNR, West Sussex (Kyle Smith).

Western Marsh Harrier, undisclosed, Castilla-La Mancha (Green Bunion).

Stilt Sandpiper, Alkborough Flats, Lincolnshire (David Carr).

Curlew Sandpiper, Pennington Marshes, Hampshire (Jeremy Mcclements).

Sanderling, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire (Martin Standley).

Scopoli's Shearwater, Gozo, Malta (Raymond Galea).

American Coot, Los Angeles, California (Alexander Viduetsky).

Pied Wagtail, Wisley, Surrey (Peter Kemp).

Yellow Wagtail, Bawdsey, Suffolk (Nick Brown).

Yellowhammer, undisclosed site, Wiltshire (Geoff Snowball).