This popular escapee has been at large in my neck of the woods for what must be approaching four years. It has survived the harsh winters completely unscathed, and can most often be found a mere stone's throw from my house making a variety of very odd noises. It's a fruit-eater, and various people spoil it with grapes and nectarines, which perhaps explains it's longevity away from home. We don't know where it has come from, but the species' natural range is in Ethiopia, so to see it enjoying suburban London is always quite amusing. Today it was sat out in the open, as usual completely unphased by passers by. I tried a few shots with the 300mm at f2.8, which was very useful on yet another gloomy day - every time I use it I am blown away by quite how capable it is, God knows how good the new version is. I'm still getting used to the back-focus, but as long as I persist with it I'm sure I'll get there - hopefully before my Morocco trip in March - I'd hate to have one of the special Wheatears up close and personal and then completely mess it up. First two images using natural light, such as there was, ISO 1000 to 1600, and the final one with flash, ISO 320 at f7.1.