I have to say that over the years I have,from time to time, really enjoyed photographing Stonechats in flight. I always find them really accommodating  and with just a little bit of patience and care it's possible to get really close to them.  At this time of the year here in Devon there are always a few pairs over-wintering on the marshes and other quiet areas close to the coast.  They use the highest perches in their chosen territory to sally forth and catch flying insects, sometimes just tiny gnats but also hoverflies if there are still some on the wing.  Obviously warm weather makes it easier to catch prey and to be honest I am wondering how they manage to catch enough prey in this way when the weather gets really cold and prey becomes scarce.  I have been seeing one pair for at least 6 weeks, always in the same spot and always using the same reed mace to hunt from. This makes photography quite easy but all the usual elements need to be in place, obviously bright light is essential. I spent a couple of hours watching and photographing them today and I am 100% confident that I didn't distract them from their feeding which incidentally, with the shortening of the length of daylight was pretty constant. It was interesting to see that the male always had use of the highest reed mace with the female, now and again "grabbing" the best spot when the male vacated it. Unfortunately the good light started to go and I had to call it a day but managed some really nice shots with more to come whenever the light is good in the next few weeks. I am going to be interested to see how long they remain here feeding in this way or if they will move on when it gets colder.  Incidentally, I have now had my cataract operation and it has massively improved my eyesight.  The National Health Service in the UK comes in for a lot of stick, every bit of it unnecessary and unjustified. The success of my cataract operation is proof that if you are ill here in the UK and need treating then you will get it done with the very best of care and professionalism. A massive thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and in particular the West Of England Eye Clinic.