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hunting for a living


hunting for a living
Photo Information
Copyright: Catalin Josan (methos) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 213 W: 51 N: 281] (1187)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04-26
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XTi, Sigma 150mm F2.8 APO Macro DG HSM, HOYA 72mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/2000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-04-28 6:42
Viewed: 776
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small passerine in the wagtail family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.

This species breeds in much of Europe and Asia and parts of north Africa. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. It has a toehold in Alaska as a scarce breeder.

This is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks.

It nests in crevices in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures.

This is a slender bird, 16.5-19 cm in length, with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. The nominate subspecies Motacilla alba alba is basically grey above and white below, with a white face, black cap and black throat.

The resident British subspecies, the (British) Pied Wagtail (M. a. yarrellii) exchanges the grey color with black (or very dark grey in females), but is otherwise identical in its behaviour.

It is likely that the differentiation of White Wagtail into two subspecies in western Europe has arisen because of the partial isolation of the mainly resident British form, although M. a. yarrellii now also breeds in adjacent areas of the neighbouring European mainland.

In addition, there are a number of other subspecies, the validity of some being questionable. They differ in the color of the wings, back, and head, with some (such as the Masked Wagtail, M. a. personata) having an all-black head with a white face mask, and the Moroccan Wagtail (M. a. subpersonata) being somewhat similar to a grey-backed white-throated African Pied Wagtail.
JoseMiguel, fartash, Argus, Luis52, thor68 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Catalin,
This is a very good composition!
I like the layout you have made to show this sequence, its very clear and neat.
Great timing in the capture of this action moment, that show us the skills of the bird on this aerial fishing for their food.
Congratulations and thanks for share.
My best regards,
JM

Hello Catalin
Excellent hunting shot of this White Wagtail,
Perfect focusing and lighting,Superb work.

Regards
Fartash

fantastic pics, great capture, TFS Ori

Hi Catalin,
Very nice picture and good idea to put three in one.
Beautiful composition...good work..!
Well done,
Patrick

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3802 W: 190 N: 11310] (34871)
  • [2007-04-28 9:12]

Hello Catalin,
Fine collage of excellent in flight shots of the Pied wagtail catching insects. Each shot is sharp, of high standard and well presented.
TFS and best wishes, Ivan

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1111 W: 5 N: 3457] (12761)
  • [2007-04-28 9:43]

Hola Catalin. Hermosas fotos de accion de esta gaviota, luchando por obtener su comida diaria. Muy bellas todas. Luis52.

  • Great 
  • thor68 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 792 W: 138 N: 1312] (5642)
  • [2007-04-28 14:39]

excellent collage showing the hunting wagtail, catalin! :-)
good timing on the frozen action.
well done & take care, thor.

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2007-04-29 4:25]

Catalin,Excellent portrait of this wonderful scene. Nice and well defined. Ganesh

hi catalin!
wonderful catch and great collage.
excellent work.
tfs
zoran

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