Prairie Falcon

Gallery: AvianPosted November 28, 2011199 views9 comments

Got my first chance in a while to get out yesterday, and went to the Fort Pierre National Grasslands in the central part of South Dakota. As usual, winter birding on the Grasslands meant tons of raptors. I found 9 of these guys yesterday, a high for me.

Canon 50D, 400 5.6L, ISO 320, 1/2000, f7.1, no flash.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Keith A Anderson on November 28, 2011 at 8:37 PM

Very nice, Terry. Love the catchlight and tail spread. I'm hoping to get out there yet, but it will likely be after the holidays.

Registered on February 13, 2006, 166 Posts, 1818 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on November 28, 2011 at 8:46 PM

Great bird and sweet to get it in flight like this. The blood on the talons is a nice bonus - I'd try boosting the contrast though - it looks a little flat overall (though I've never seen one of these birds so my perception may be off)

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on November 29, 2011 at 8:01 AM

Terry, a tough subject, especially in flight. I like the extension of the right wing, fanned tail, good eye contact and the nice isolation of the head. I think your composition is especially strong. I've enjoyed your photos of this species over the last few months.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on November 29, 2011 at 11:10 AM

Wonderful flight shot that really shows some nice feather display and patterns, nice job in getting this, way to go.

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

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on November 29, 2011 at 1:12 PM

Excellent pose Terry! The cathlight in that dark eye helps a lot. I might be inclined to warm this up a little and perhaps tone down the brightness a little. I am not sure if that will improve it (albeit a little), but that is my gut feel.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on November 29, 2011 at 2:02 PM

Sweet flight shot Terry

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Suzanne Huot on November 29, 2011 at 3:38 PM

Great sideways look you caught from him with your camera.Super detail of his wings and plumage ,youo certainly caught him in perfect light to show him off in.Perhaps a little more saturation of the subject as he looks a little cool.Great BIF flight capture.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 32 Posts, 240 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Backlund on November 29, 2011 at 6:35 PM

That's a incredibly tough shot to get, as you know! Usually they are doing this while I'm still trying to get stopped. It's going to be a fun winter out here!

Registered on September 29, 2005, 252 Posts, 3380 Comments

Comment posted by David Williams on November 30, 2011 at 12:08 PM

Looks like you'll be busy with these guys this year, Terry. Wonderful lighting on this shot....way to go.

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