Spotted Flycatchers.
24th August 2025
I was out walking this morning along the River Usk which is quite low, allowing Dippers and Grey Wagtails to hunt insects over and under the water. I casually came across a family party of Spotted Flycatchers consisting of about six birds a lovely sight. I tucked myself away under some willows and watched them, adults and juveniles together. The young birds were quite adept at hunting flying insects, they had obviously been taught well.
I could see them perching on isolated branches before launching into flight at passing prey. I thought this particular situation might be where I could try the 'Pre Capture' mode on my Canon R6 MK2. I have this feature pre programmed into the camera so it's just a press of a button to activate it, I waited for some time until a bird perched in a suitable position - and this is preferably an uncluttered background and an open space for the bird to fly into.
Using full frame mode to give a wider field of view, I waited...
It does work up to a point, as catching fast and unpredictable little birds like these in flight, using conventional methods would be quite difficult.
I could see them perching on isolated branches before launching into flight at passing prey. I thought this particular situation might be where I could try the 'Pre Capture' mode on my Canon R6 MK2. I have this feature pre programmed into the camera so it's just a press of a button to activate it, I waited for some time until a bird perched in a suitable position - and this is preferably an uncluttered background and an open space for the bird to fly into.
Using full frame mode to give a wider field of view, I waited...
It does work up to a point, as catching fast and unpredictable little birds like these in flight, using conventional methods would be quite difficult.