Its not the first time I have had my camera set for still images when something happens that meant it should have been set for fast moving subjects. It probably will not be the last time either.
So please excuse the poor quality of these images, but they are posted for interest anyway.
I was shooting still images from a bird hide the other day using a 70-400mm lens with a shutter setting around the 640 mark.
Of course this was the wrong setting for what was about to happen next.
It was one of those "If only" moments.
However. one does't really have a lot of time to change camera settings in the event of a Sparrowhawk attack.
If you look at the first of the sequential images below you may be able to determine that it is a male Sparrowhawk (Top right of image) arriving at a bird feeder. You can also make out a Great Tit (Top left of image) attempting to escape the clutches of the pursuer.
Fortunately for the Great Tit, it was able to evade the capture on this occasion and the Sparrowhawk crashed into the branches and left the scene empty taloned.
Sparrowhawks come in so quickly it's quite something to catch them at all. I have to say I'm pleased the great tit got away!
ReplyDeleteSo am I Wendy.{:))
DeleteCertainly an interesting series of photos Roy and ones which clearly show just how amazingly agile and fast Sparrowhawks are when they are hunting.
ReplyDeleteThanks David, yes real killers arn't they normally.
DeleteA nice series, never-the-less. Such excitement!
ReplyDeleteYou did well to capture these images Roy.
ReplyDeleteSparrowhawk on a mission is like a speeding bullet.
Thanks Keith.
DeleteNever mind the settings, the drama of this sequence is amazing. And look at the tight high spped turn the sparrowhawk made!
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon.
DeleteGreat to watch, many a time I have had no camera when things happen or like you it's on the wrong setting, suppose that's what makes going out exciting as you never know what's going to happen..
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
Thanks Amanda, yes I suppose we live in hope.{:))
DeleteGreat shots. They're one of my favourite birds of prey.
ReplyDeleteThanks CT.
DeleteNot one of mine really. The Common Buzzard is about the top of the list I think.
C'est le risque des mangeoires en effet !
ReplyDeleteBonne soirée Roy
Merci Nathalie.
DeleteYou are lucky you got what you did!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve.
DeleteHey Roy... I know how you feel when these things happen and your not prepared. Bummer!!! Well that's the way it goes. You win some and lose some, just glad the Great Tit was a winner. Although I know he has to eat too. Good try!!!!
ReplyDeleteGrace
Thanks GG.
DeleteNeat set of images in any case!
ReplyDeleteThanks FG.
DeleteJust goes to show, you were on a fairly high speed anyway yet the Sparrowhawk was blurry, so it must have been moving really fast! It was great to see the set of images and I'm secretly pleased that the Tit got away. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy. One of my Custom settings is 1/2000 on shutter priority.
DeleteI should have been on that then this would have been a clear set of images.
what an incredible moment to capture... even if on the wrong shutter speed...
ReplyDeleteThanks Jandi.
DeleteA great capture, anyway...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that it managed to escape...
Thanks Ana, yes lucky that he did.
Delete