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Photo of The Day - May 2023
- Thread starter mollyc
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Thank you! Yesterday afternoon was one of those times when I was in the kitchen pouring myself a cup of coffee when I saw Alfred standing in the culvert. Promptly plunked the cup down on the counter and rushed to grab the camera and lens, quickly hurried out to the deck..... I got a few images of him standing on the cement of the culvert, water lapping at his feet, and then he took off, so as usual, I tracked him.
I was startled when the Red-Winged Blackbird suddenly appeared in my view on the EVF, too, above and slightly behind Alfred, and then moved into position and landed neatly on Alfred's back. I was lucky to get any shots at all as I was so mesmerized watching this unusual sight! Alfred, unfazed by his unexpected hitchhiker, simply kept on flying and after a while the Red-Winged Blackbird took off in a different direction and the two parted ways.
I was startled when the Red-Winged Blackbird suddenly appeared in my view on the EVF, too, above and slightly behind Alfred, and then moved into position and landed neatly on Alfred's back. I was lucky to get any shots at all as I was so mesmerized watching this unusual sight! Alfred, unfazed by his unexpected hitchhiker, simply kept on flying and after a while the Red-Winged Blackbird took off in a different direction and the two parted ways.
Another shot from Beech Hurst Gardens in Haywards Heath on the weekend. This one is a ‘BR Class 411 4-CEP’.
![FullSizeRender.jpeg]( "FullSizeRender.jpeg")
Actually, in their shot it appears to be the two standards of narrow gauge rail- 3' and 2' on one set of track. This is common in a lot of narrow gauge setups. Powered rails are almost always outside of the track gauge in the US.
These are one of these moments when you have luck, patience and the camera near you.
Beautiful shot and the timing was great!
In all the years I've been observing and photographing Alfred, or other birds in general, this is the first time I've seen one hitch a ride on another's back! I have seen smaller birds chasing an Osprey which hangs round here once in a while, and at first that is what I thought was happening here: "oh, isn't that cute, the Red-Winged Blackbird is either chasing or following Alfred!" Nope, he was looking for a ride.....
Makes sense, I missed this about the British rail system.
That is amazing that he landed on Alfred in mid flight! They must be old friends.
Thanks!![i-k9nnSsZ.jpg]()
It is a willow tree flower. Willow trees start showing "buds" before the winter ends (by February or so), then flowers like the one above by the end of March, and perhaps mid April. The season is very short.
Cat of Nine Tails, not in the greatest condition.
I’ll take two tacos with a buzz cut. Extra hot conditioner 🙏
Ratty Ford Falcon
K70, 1970 50mm f2, 1/400s, ISO-800, 6 frames merged in PS
![Ford Falcon MRR.jpg]( "Ford Falcon MRR.jpg")
K70, 1970 50mm f2, 1/400s, ISO-800, 6 frames merged in PS
making an impression
1/400s 58mm @ f/7.1