2007: The Eric Hosking Portfolio Award - Winner
Bence Máté (Hungary)
Starling spa
'I'd built this pool specially, in a clearing in Kiskunsag National Park, Hungary. The starlings arrive at dusk and take a quick spray bath before they are spotted by any of the sparrowhawks that patrol the area. My hide was dug into the ground so my camera was at bird's-eye level.' European starlings live across Europe and into Asia, and have been introduced to North America, New Zealand and Australia. They eat almost anything, from insects and berries to scraps. They form spectacular flocks in winter, swirling as one large group with no apparent leader. Intensive agriculture has caused a serious decline in numbers in places such as the UK.
Nikon D200 + Nikon MF 300mm f2.8 lens; 1/160 sec at f2.8; tripod; hide.
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