A swallow acting like a raptor

I captured this scruffy Pacific Swallow this morning, as it was about to land on a bamboo stake in the middle of a small pond. Looks like it has a problem on its throat too (a cyst?).

Its stance reminded me of a raptor about to pounce on a prey, so I cloned out the perch to complete the effect....

350D + Sigmonster, 800 mm, f/9, 1/640 sec, ISO 400, manual exposure

Stunning shot Romy. That's some capture.


Now you just need to clone in a giant sunflower seed to act as prey.

Excellent captures Romy, as usual. Perfect timing in #1. Love the perch in #2 as well.

Brilliant shots Romy, I love both of them, but No.1, is just magic, so sharp with great bokeh, quality!

Nice work Romy. Soft bird and less than ideal lighting in the first one but the background is A1 quality and the view of the unusual throat is exceptional.

Great captures as usual Romy. Love the swallow in spite of the softness and the munia is beautiful.

Outstanding work !