I was focusing my camera on a Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) perched on a branch, when out of nowhere another Barn Swallow appeared and started screeching as it hovered in midair. Fortunately I had enough presence of mind to press the shutter release.
It was raining most of the day and I was shooting one-handed under an umbrella much of the time. For this shot, I decided to use the built-in flash on my camera to add a little additional light. The reflections in the screeching bird’s eyes add to its almost maniacal look.
The bird on the branch was totally impassive. It turned its head toward the hovering bird, but did not appear to react in any other way.
The overall feel of the image is almost like a cartoon. I really like the way it came out (and recognize that it was mostly luck and fortunate timing).
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Wow. Great photo. Maniacal is right!
Thanks. I have no idea what caused the situation, but it seemed pretty intense.
I love this, Mike! What a fantastic seizing of a fleeting opportunity. There at the right moment and ready, and got the shot–anyone would be proud of this one!
Mike this is a stunning shot, wow I would have gotten so excited if i had taken this its awesome.
Thanks. I am more excited now than at the moment I took it. It’s really hard to tell from the LCD on the back of the camera if the image is really good or not. Because it was raining out, I didn’t have time to check too much when I was shooting. It was mostly a matter of good luck and an almost instinctive reaction to press the shutter when the other bird flew into the frame.
Great capture especially considering the conditions. The look on the incoming bird is priceless.
Thanks. I actually enjoyed being out in the rain, especially because it was not too heavy and there was not much wind. It helps to keep the crowd down too. One of the downsides to doing nature photography in a suburban setting is that it gets awfully crowded when the weather is nice.
Love this! lol. “You talkin’ to me?” says the bird on the branch, cool as you like. 😀
I probably need a caption contest. There seem to be all kinds of situation that can be imagined that would prompt an outburst like this.
It’s a great capture.
That is one mean looking bird! Excellent shot!
That’s a keeper. Make yourself a big enlargement!
Thanks. I may do that. It’s an unusual shot that I like a lot.
Wow!