Swallows by Alex Penn

Many birders will be noticing hirundines beginning to gather in their local area, with Swallow among the most conspicuous. Many fledged juveniles are still being busily fed by their parents in such congregations, and it can be fascinating to stop and watch their behaviour.

Alex Penn's charming and seasonal image, pictured above, encapsulates the vibe of a late-summer Swallow flock, with a group of impatient juveniles waiting to be fed by their tireless parents. Nice composition, depth of field, a characterful fence line and well-positioned birds make for an effective image that brings a smile to the face.

Other notable images

Eurasian Bittern, Otmoor RSPB, Oxfordshire (Nick Truby).

European Golden Plover, undisclosed site, England (Sonia Johnson).

Wood Sandpiper, Pennington Marshes, Hampshire (Dennis Gilman).

Black-winged Pratincole, Houbie, Fetlar, Shetland (Alan Prescott).

Pacific Golden Plover, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire (Paul Coombes).

Arctic Tern, Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey (A Dancy).

Arctic Skua, Fair Isle, Shetland (Alex Penn).

Common Starling, South Uist, Outer Hebrides (Patrick Safford).

Roe Deer, Torphins, Aberdeenshire (Stewart Woolley).