Carolina Wren and lunch

[Tom Hook]

I was driving back from a neighboring town today and from my car, I saw a Carolina Wren. I grabbed the camera and got off three shots while stopped at an intersection. Here was that bird with what looks to me like a rather large earwig firmly in its grasp.

It was lunchtime after all.

[Tristin]

It's a cricket.

[Tom Hook]

You might be right about that, I am not an expert in such areas. However, it seems early for crickets here in Connecticut. Plus, earwigs can look a bit like this creature, and as I go all figurative on you, what a wonderful name for an insect - I learned it from my grandmother many years ago.

Earwig!

Thanks for the heads-up.

Cheers.

[Akira]

Tom, glad to see you posting.  This is a lively image!

[Peter Connan]

Very nice image!

[elsa hoffmann]

Amazing  - what goes through a little bird's mind when catching lunch as big as that.
Good capture Tom. Thanks for sharing

[Mongo]

wonderful capture Tom. Also, the shade of green in the background is just sumptuous. Nothing as subtly beautiful as this wren where Mongo comes from

[Jakov Minić]

Tom, this is a lovely capture! How did you spot the bird, I don't know, but well done

[Tom Hook]

Tom, this is a lovely capture! How did you spot the bird, I don't know, but well done

Hi Jakov. being a birder, I have developed a sense over time of when a bird pops into view even on my periphery. I was at a stop sign and had such a sensible moment and there was the wren out the passenger's side of the car. I just happened to have a 300 2.8 with a 1.4 tc on the seat next to me. I picked it up and took the shot. I noticed the bird had something in its mouth but I thought it was material for a nest. I didn't notice what it was until I got home and realized it was an insect/earwig/cricket and the bug was in focus!

[Frank Fremerey]

I love those little birds! In your pic the determination and funny
expression shines. Thank you.

[ColinM]

Nice capture Tom

I just happened to have a 300 2.8 with a 1.4 tc on the seat next to me.

Ahhh....preparation & readiness is the key to many things in life
I've only used the f2.8 once but loved the speed of acquisition and focus lock. Guess the car windowsill makes a handy support.

[Tom Hook]

Thanks Colin. Actually had to hand hold it because I was in the driver's seat and didn't have time to switch seats and prop the camera on the sill. I've found that lens is just at my limit of tolerance, a perfect "shoot from the car" option. Beyond that, I need a window frame or something equally as sturdy to carry the weight!