Sanderlings by Dave Collins
Judging by the number of 'thumbs ups' on this week's winning shot, the World section is not visited as often as the popular UK section of our Iris galleries. But there are some stunning images from around the world to be enjoyed, including this fine portrait of feeding Sanderlings by Dave Collins.
It was taken at Ocean Beach in California, USA, where the photographer chose to shoot at a low level and managed to capture both Sanderlings facing each other while probing for insects in the sand — no mean feat with this fast-moving bird. Duller light when photographing this species is no bad thing, as greater detail is retained in the whites.
Congratulations to Dave on his Photo of the Week, which was taken with a 300 mm lens and 1.4× extender, and exposed at 1/500th second at f9 on ISO 800.
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
Caspian Stonechat, Titchfield Haven NNR, Hampshire (Photo: Ian Curran)
Guillemot, Fowlsheugh RSPB, Aberdeenshire (Photo: Marek Szczepanek)
Black-tailed Godwit, Germany (Photo: W.Schulenburg)
House Martin, Sculthorpe Moor NR, Norfolk (Photo: Andy Thompson)
Glossy Ibis, Montrose Basin, Angus & Dundee (Photo: Mark Caunt)
Great Spotted Cuckoo, Portland, Dorset (Photo: Lee Fuller)
Green Woodpecker, Beamish, Durham (Photo: Ron Hindhaugh)
Tawny Owl, Bourne, Lincolnshire (Photo: John Dickenson)
Sparrowhawk, Stodmarsh NNR, Kent (Photo: Mark Chidwick)
Redstart, Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (Photo: Clive daelman)
Swift, Far Ings NR, Lincolnshire (Photo: Mandy West)
Red-spotted Bluethroat, Haroldswick, Unst, Shetland (Photo: Rebecca Nason)
Kingfisher, Belgium (Photo: Marc FASOL)
Great Northern Diver, King George VI Reservoir (Permit Only), Surrey (Photo: Andrew Moon)
Red-footed Falcon, Vange Marsh RSPB, Essex (Photo: David Lee)
