Every now and again I take a photo that is almost the shot of a life time. This is one of them.  I just missed the whole bird by an inch, if the camera shutter had opened 1/3000 earlier than this would have been the best photograph that I have taken. As it is, it gives me the impetus to carry on trying to capture the Martins in flight as they come in to gather mud to repair their nests.  I took several half decent shots today, patience is  the key.  I sat waiting for the sun to shine and then hopefully for the Martins to come and collect mud. Eventually, first one and then another came down followed by several during the next few minuts or so. 

Just before I came home all hell let loose with a cacophony of excited  twittering, a Sparrowhawk was flying over and it seemed like every Swallow and Martin in the Stable yard responed to a rallying call to see off the predator.