American Kestrel

Gallery: AvianPosted December 11, 2009364 views21 comments

I observed this male hunting from an ugly sign perch in bad light for a few minutes then watched him fly off, make the kill and land on a post right next to me with his rodent and in nice light. I photographed the whole process of the meal. Good bird!

This was the first time I'd noticed a kestrel eat the tail and it wasn't easy for him - this was his second effort. The first time he got it down until there was only the tail tip sticking out but he had to bring it back up and start over. Pretty amusing but serious business too I guess. In this bitter cold, every bit of protein must be vital for survival.

7D, 1/1000, f/10, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, taken this morning from pickup window, cropped to 66% of original image, cloned out a very bright OOF frost covered grass stem to right of perch, background is OOF Phragmites with snow, not baited

Comments/critique appreciated

Comments

21 comments

Comment posted by David Williams on December 11, 2009 at 7:29 PM

You nailed this one, Ron.....frost, rodent, and all! Great light, color and bg....really a beauty.....even sharp and soft at the same time.....does that make sense?

Registered on March 8, 2005, 315 Posts, 2291 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Olsen on December 11, 2009 at 7:32 PM

Sweet photo Ron! and quite a story.
This is one of those birds that has eluded my camera shy of the bird on the wire photo.

Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on December 11, 2009 at 7:39 PM

Wow he let you get close ! Love it Ron. The tail hanging out of the mouth with the tongue showing is crazy.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 11, 2009 at 8:50 PM

Not one you would hang on the wall Ron, but a great image. The light, detail, and colors are awesome. Great documentation of this event. And you are so right. They need every bit of energy they can get. Well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Gilham on December 11, 2009 at 8:52 PM

A unique photo to say the least. Beautiful colors, BG and overall comp. Very nice capture!

Registered on September 20, 2009, 77 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on December 11, 2009 at 9:28 PM

Love the 'soft' yet detailed plumage Ron - your kestrel is a real sweetie although I suspect the mouse would beg to differ

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on December 11, 2009 at 9:44 PM

super shot, Ron. hard to beat a good looking male kestrel, and here you captured a unique moment. I love the detail in the fluffed up plumage.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Cunliffe on December 11, 2009 at 10:14 PM

It's a lovely capture, but think how many double-takes you have caused! Looking at the thumbnail my first response was 'thats a kestrel's beak?"

Registered on May 25, 2009, 62 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on December 11, 2009 at 10:43 PM

Good stuff Ron!
Spend time afield and you get to witness some pretty amazing behaviors.
Well done!
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on December 12, 2009 at 12:46 AM

This shot really tells a tale... Er. sorry. Terrific detail, very nice light and the fluffed out torso and snow convey the temperature. Excellent work, Ron.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Astbury on December 12, 2009 at 6:44 AM

What a pretty bird they are

I think it's a cracker of an image Ron - don't see how it could be any better to be honest - very nice shot

Registered on January 11, 2007, 28 Posts, 257 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 12, 2009 at 10:15 AM

Ron,

I have never seen a Kestrel swallow the tail either, I wish I had been able to join you to see & photograph this, but alas; work got in the way!

Excellent details, colors, action, light and composition. Love seeing the tail in the bill & the tongue of the bird. This image also provides a great look at the talons of the kestrel curled over the perch like they are.

Outstanding image as posted.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 12, 2009 at 12:08 PM

A jaw dropper! This is terrific: great subject and action; wonderful techs.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on December 12, 2009 at 2:18 PM

Okay I have to say it, yuck but cool too. Incredible details even on the fur of the dead little mousy. Great light. I have never been able to get any where near this close to a kestral. You must have a magical gift with raptors.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on December 12, 2009 at 2:49 PM

Beauty of a shot Ron and great capture. Perfectly presentation as well.

Pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Raymond Klassen on December 12, 2009 at 3:15 PM

Registered on November 30, 2008, 114 Posts, 790 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on December 12, 2009 at 5:12 PM

PHabulous! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Marella on December 12, 2009 at 5:46 PM

Fantastic shot! .... why do I keep clearing my throat?

Registered on November 1, 2003, 142 Posts, 862 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on December 12, 2009 at 5:59 PM

Another awesome Kestrel shot. When I think they can't get any better, they do. Wow!

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 13, 2009 at 2:33 AM

Tremendous photo Ron. I like it all but the tail, the hint of snow and the bokeh are wonderful bonuses.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Graham Brown on December 14, 2009 at 7:42 AM

The kestrel is one species i have yet to photograph but not for the want of trying so i look in awe at such a beautiful image. Lovely colours and great detail coupled with excellent lighting - how i would wish for an image like this. Graham

Registered on November 20, 2007, 275 Posts, 1365 Comments