Prairie Falcon Fledgling

Gallery: AvianPosted July 26, 201179 views8 comments

From this weekend in a gorgeous spot called North Cave Hills in the far NW corner of South Dakota. The sides of the buttes here have little depressions, some of which are deep enough (or have been excavated) by nesting birds. I was fortunate to find a pair of Prairie Falcons that looked like they had recently fledged, with the nesting area nearby.

Canon 50D, 400 5.6L, 1/1000, f6.3.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on July 26, 2011 at 11:34 PM

I don't believe I've ever see this recently fledged a Prairie Falcon before; excellent capture. The calm gaze at the camera is very nice. Was there enough light to have brought the underside of the rock into focus, making it a part of the photo?

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on July 27, 2011 at 11:51 AM

A nice inquisitive look from the falcon and the bird detail on the larger version is excellent. I might consider a tighter portrait type crop but I guess it depends on how you want to present this image, more habitat or portrait close up but in any case a wonderful find and excellent shot, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on July 27, 2011 at 9:24 PM

Wonderfully intimate shot, Terry. This reminds me of the mouse's view of a cat outside its hole. I'm fine with the OOF rock: it frames the bird and focuses our attention on the bird very effectively.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on July 27, 2011 at 11:18 PM

Terry,

This is a beautiful bird and the look it appears to be giving you is calm but intense. Very interesting to see a recently fledged Prairie Falcon. Wonderful capture

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 28, 2011 at 1:24 PM

Very cool perspective Terry, it looks like you were right below him.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on July 28, 2011 at 7:38 PM

Love the setting terry - very nice indeed

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 30, 2011 at 9:11 AM

Love the direct stare Terry. Good detail and sharpness on the falcon. Quite a unique photo.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on August 20, 2011 at 12:02 AM

Missed this one before - had to look it up when i saw the image you posted today of the chick.
LOVE this "curious baby" look here - wonderful eyes and detail. the OOF rock doesn't bother me with the detail of the chick.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments