Black-winged Kite by Dave Barnes

Black-winged Kite is without doubt one of Europe's most recognisable and visually appealing birds of prey – the combination of soft greys, black, yellow and that piercing red eye makes for an irresistible colour palate. Dave Barnes's delightful close-up perched shot of this bird is a celebration of its beauty and reignites thoughts of when Britain might be due its first record of this increasing species – which, unusually for a raptor, appears to be prospering in the heavily modified landscapes of modern Europe. Congratulations to Dave on this brilliant image.

Other notable images

American White Pelican, Los Angeles, California (Alexander Viduetsky).

Tufted Duck, Kirkcaldy, Fife (Nigel Voaden).

Common Shelduck, Frodsham, Cheshire (Ray Sherlock).

Common Kestrel, Covenham Reservoir, Lincolnshire (Tom Hines).

Western Marsh Harrier, Poole Harbour, Dorset (Jeremy Mcclements).

Eurasian Woodcock, Gateshead, Durham (Steven Fryer).

Water Pipit, Overcombe, Dorset (John Wall).

Black Redstart, Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire (Keith Gypps).

Twite, Knott End-on-Sea, Lancashire (Nick Truby).