Australian Hobby

[Ralph]

While we were many mile west of Mildura the Australian Hobby swooped down at the car, and this is how we noticed it.
So we got out and then it decided it wasn't going to hang about and took off. We followed to the next set of tree's
And knowing that it would take off again I took my shots and I know they are not as good as they could be but it is what I did get.
The plus for me was it was a lifer and now I have the change to improve next time. My mate with the 600mm lens he got them to come out good.
But again it was a good way to make the comparison between the 2 different sized lenses. So one day I will have a 600mm lens.
And I am happy either way.
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[Isac]

Well done for being able to get shots of the Hobby. They are a beautiful bird. They are also known as the Little Falcon because it looks a lot like a smaller version of the Peregrine Falcon. The proper name is "Falco longipennis". The Peregrin can fly at almost 390 kmh and the Hobby at 160 kph.
They do a trick called "hawking" which has them capture their prey mid-air and often they will be seen eating while still flying. Amazing bird. I was lucky enough to capture one interacting with willie wagtails on a neighbour's TV antennae and another just resting on a power line next to my home.

[Ralph]

Thanks for the info on this bugger as I didn't know it all but a few parts I did. My mate thought it was a Peregrine when we got it but I was sure it was a Brown falcon as by the size I just thought it couldn't be a Peregrine. Then he noticed the blue eyeliner and we were on the right line then. And I knew right away Then that I had a lifer and smile like a kid with a lollipop.And without a lie about 5 minutes before this I was just telling him how I am very Raptor poor in my photo's and then this. I know my mistakes I made and I did wish I had the 600mm lens. But the best thing is getting out and about

[wigz]

Well done to get these Ralph. Nice and sharp and good eye contact, just a pity about the clutter - but we have to take what we can get, and at least you now have some shots of the species

[Ralph]

Thanks Alan but completely honest I don't mind it like that. And I am not saying this to be an arsehole , but for me I think or look at it like this is the way it is in the wild, so I have just grown to accept that look to them. But I also like the clear look that you like at the same time. So I just get them how I can when I can. Now I have to go out and try to better this shot. Just hope we are getting more Raptors back our way again.

[Isac]

Hi Ralph, here's a link to the 2 shots I spoke about.
HOBBY WITH THE WILLIE WAGTAIL
HOBBY IN THE SUBURB