European Bee-eater by John Dickenson

European Bee-eater is undoubtedly one of the Western Palearctic's pin-up birds, with the exotic colour palate, soft purring calls, feeding aerobatics and complex social lives all contributing to make the species an endless source of fascination for birders. While bee-eaters are being seen increasingly regularly in Britain, you generally still need to go abroad to be afforded quality views.

On a recent trip to Spain, John Dickenson made the most of a close fly-by from a bee-eater to absolutely nail this stunning flight shot. Taken in beautiful golden light, John has framed the bird against an uncluttered soft green background that complements the vivid tones of the bee-eater's plumage, while this dynamic pose captures well the species' acrobatic tendencies. Congratulations to John, who must be over the moon at having taken this shot!

Other notable images

Swallow, Fowlmere RSPB, Cambridgeshire (Martin Abbess).

Long-tailed Tit, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire (Lee O'Dwyer).

Whinchat, Cam Washes, Cambridgeshire (Jon Heath).

Grasshopper Warbler, Middleton Lakes RSPB, Warwickshire (Glyn Sellors).

Red-necked Falcon, Namutoni, Etosha NP, Namibia (Steve Bell).

Black-necked Grebe, Walthamstow Wetlands LWT, London (Sam O'Donnell).

Whimbrel, Bardsey Island, Caernarfon (Jonathan Dodds).

Marsh Sandpiper, Normandy Marsh, Hampshire (Jeremy Mcclements).

Arctic Tern (left) and Common Tern, Orgreave Lagoons, South Yorkshire (Tom Hines).

Little Gull, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire (Lee Adcock).

Ring-necked Duck, Clondalkin, Dublin (Holly Grogan).

Garganey, Manvers Lake (Dearne Valley), South Yorkshire (Fozzy).

Eurasian Coot, Helston, Cornwall (Martin Webb).