Birdfeeder Fly Away

Here we see the action replay from the gold winning performance by Shorty (a Long Tailed Tit) in the Individual Bird Feeder Fly Away competition at the Alternative Olympic Games.  This is the first time a Long Tailed Tit has won Individual gold, although they have had lots of success over the years in the synchronised competition.

As you can see, Shorty from Team GB had a perfect starting position a third of the way up the feeder. Her 30 degree upward exit curve was spot on and what grace and strength she showed in those wing movements. And, of course, she also scored top marks for technical difficulty given the speed of fly away.  An amazing achievement, and the first ever gold for Team GB in this event. Well done Shorty.

I was torn between this shot and the one in the Extra for Mono Monday - SOUND, but the AOG angle won out.  For the main shot, I love the SOUND that birds make when they fly away – such power in those wings.  The extra is taken on a History walk in Wolverton, the town where I grew up.  I remember how imposing the gates, porch and doors seemed when I was an ‘infant’ and the SOUND of the bell telling us that it was time to go in.  And I remember not being tall enough to see through the glass in those doors!