Gulls Take Flight As Predator Hunts For Food

More than 80 seagulls swooped above the water’s edge to avoid the predator.

The presence of a peregrine falcon sent the birds into a panic and at regular intervals they suddenly took flight only to land back into the water.

A number of different types of birds were searching for food, including graceful egrets which used their long necks to search for fish.

Adam Fichna, 32, from Upper Silesia, Poland, took the stunning photos at a local nature reserve last year.

The budding photographer had spent three days by the pond in search of a rare bird – the lesser yellowleg.

After three days waiting round-the-clock for the small feathered creature to emerge, Adam gave up, but was rewarded by the spectacular movements of the seagulls. 

He said: “I was waiting for another really rare bird, the Lesser yellowlegs.

“I was waiting for him to come closer but it never happened.

“But it didn't really matter because there was lots going on and there were a lot of other birds. It was autumn migration so I couldn't wish for a better place to be and see it all.

“The egrets were looking for small fish that have been left after the pond had been drained by fishermen.

“It was just amazing to watch, it was like magic – the kind of magic which you can see only in early mornings in the wild.”