Birds in action Flash to freeze

BACK in the 1940s, Eric Hosking was the first photographer to harness the short duration of flash to catch hitherto unseen behaviours of birds. His setup weighed over 80lbs, but did the trick. Today, the principles remain the same – but flashguns are a lot lighter.

Garden birds are both small and swift. Their sudden landings and take offs, their squabbles and airy feats often happen too