Common Cuckoo by Russell Hayes
There's been an influx of Common Cuckoo images the last couple of weeks on BirdGuides; both birds and photographers seem to have arrived together and combined to produce some excellent images, and this week's winning shot of a flying cuckoo by Russell Hayes is a cracking shot.
The perfect lighting has given a highlight in the eye, while the blue-sky background sets the photo off perfectly. Shooting at 1/6400th second has frozen the wing movement and the perfect exposure allows us to see the lovely underwing pattern that usually flashes past in an instant.
Congratulations to Russell who used a 400mm lens to capture his winning image of a classic May bird. It's hard to believe that spring is almost over ...
You can read more on bird photography from Steve Young, including product reviews and a regular Photo Challenge for readers, every month in Birdwatch magazine.
Other notable images
Collared Pratincole, Fair Isle, Shetland (Photo: Roger Riddington)
Great Skua, Balranald RSPB, N.Uist, Outer Hebrides (Photo: Steve Round)
Hoopoe, Spain (Photo: Dave Williams)
Ruff, Finland (Photo: Jamie MacArthur)
Buzzard, Llanddeusant, Carmarthen (Photo: Norman West)
Gannet, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Photo: Paul Coombes)
Redstart, Coedty Reservoir, Conwy (Photo: Bob Garrett)
Basra Reed Warbler, Qatar (Photo: Gavin Farnell)
House Martin, Worksop, Nottinghamshire (Photo: Rob Smith)
Great Spotted Woodpecker, undisclosed site, East Sussex (Photo: Toby Houlton)
Bee-eater, Spain (Photo: Marc FASOL)
Razorbill, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Photo: Richard Laverack)
