Knowing or at least surmising when a bird will take off takes patience and judgement. Once again sunset enhances the scene. sku 70005

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE Timing is everything is making that judgement as to when to press the button. The goal is to get the water splash on exit but this photo is one of my best to date. I am most proud of capturing the sunset reflection in the water during take off. sku 70006

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE Preserving detail in gull photography is a rewarding task. Diagonals are always a dramatic addition to photography. This is one of my all time favourite photos of 2016. sku 70007

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE The elusive take off photo taken nearly in line with the water level . This type of photography is rewarding and fun. sku 70008

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE Just when I thought I couldnt get another photo to look like it is taken from above the bird - this opportunity came along. Same location different day to GULL AQUA photo. sku 70009

Looking like some get or glider that is making its way around the world - the gull is master of all its surveys. sku 70011

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE In doing extensive bird photography one gets to see a "three flutter move" before the bird lands. Its at this stage I press the shutter. sku 70011

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE Gull pink mosaic is a case where the pure white of the bird is surrounded by a wonderful pink of the twilight of late afternoon. sku 70012

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE The fact that the shadow of his face is a perfect shape caused by the sun was a happy moment. sku 70013

CLICK / TAP PHOTO TO ENLARGE As with my mandarin photography - silver waters can enhance rather than degrade a photo. This water was only captured like this ONCE in thousands of photos. sku 70014

As I always note - "a birds wing shape is EVERYTHING" in birds in flight photography. To see the parallel lines of the wing shape and the elegance of the bird and the detail in the face of the bird is everything to me as a wildlife photographer. gb10005

A more upright capture of the wing shape as the female chaffinch passes the fence in the countryside. gb10006

The wing shape changes once more as the wings are aimed forwards as the female chaffinch coasts in to land. gb10007

The wings of the female chaffinch are firmly tucked in as it comes in to land. gb10008

Once again the chaffinch has flown in with beautiful outstretched wings and a late afternoon sun glow. gb10009

With legs outstretched and another eye pleasing wing shape the female chaffinch eases into her landing. gb10010