American Kestrel

Gallery: AvianPosted October 28, 20062,319 views28 comments

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ, USA
October 2006
Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), tripod
Exposure: ISO 100, aperture priority matrix metered, 1/180th @ f/11
Raw, PS CS2, full frame

Spend enough time in the field and your chances improve of finding a cooperative bird that has given trouble in the past. A friend and I were thrilled to find this kestrel sitting in a good spot and in good light, and delighted when it stayed put as we moved closer. It even put up with a man walking two dogs between us and the bird.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

28 comments

Comment posted by Lee Daniels on October 28, 2006 at 11:10 PM

Near about perfect. I couldn't be more pleased for you and for us to see this lovely guy. I've been following the antics of a mating pair on the soccer field at school for five years, but have yet to get a shot. Unusual framing and perspective and it really works for me. Terrific!

Registered on December 31, 2003, 115 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 28, 2006 at 11:29 PM

I like that the bird and entire perch are nicely in focus. As Lee mentioned, unusual composition, interesting to have the falcon at the apex of the limber branches of the ______. Even got the head turn.

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

Comment posted by Dick Cronberg on October 29, 2006 at 12:07 AM

Richard,

I know what you mean when it comes to these guys. They are so "spooky"! I really like this shot. You know, you just have to get lucky once in a while!

Dick Cronberg
Oregon

Registered on March 21, 2005, 158 Posts, 594 Comments

Comment posted by Ganesh H Shankar on October 29, 2006 at 5:04 AM

Nice image there, beautiful bird.

Registered on March 1, 2004, 324 Posts, 1867 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Erhardt on October 29, 2006 at 6:01 AM

I really like this! The perch and composition against a clear blue sky makes this one a stand-out.

Nice!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 245 Posts, 2421 Comments

Comment posted by Jasper Doest on October 29, 2006 at 7:00 AM

Stunning perch!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 371 Posts, 2101 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zipp on October 29, 2006 at 7:26 AM

Nice shot Rich! I'd like to see it with the bird just a pinch to the left in the frame but I'd take it as is! As you say, more time in the field equals more chances.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 86 Posts, 940 Comments

Comment posted by Carl Roos on October 29, 2006 at 7:51 AM

I am still waiting for my turn to find such a cooperative bird. Fantastic image! Wish it was mine!

Registered on May 25, 2005, 57 Posts, 345 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on October 29, 2006 at 8:08 AM

Nice shot. I like the perch. I also know how difficult these birds are to shoot!

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Krijn Trimbos on October 29, 2006 at 8:25 AM

Excellent shot, I especially like the perch!

Registered on October 18, 2005, 260 Posts, 2979 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Mullen on October 29, 2006 at 9:03 AM

Registered on June 4, 2006, 133 Posts, 1056 Comments

Comment posted by jamie pringle on October 29, 2006 at 9:33 AM

Great shot RIch. Like the bend of the brances and the light- very delicate just like this little falcon

Registered on August 10, 2005, 323 Posts, 1216 Comments

Comment posted by Satie Sharma on October 29, 2006 at 10:48 AM

Beautiful image, Richard! I'd move the bird a hair to the left.

Registered on November 11, 2003, 189 Posts, 5335 Comments

Comment posted by Tim McIntyre on October 29, 2006 at 11:03 AM

Great job Richard

Registered on August 19, 2006, 85 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Ross on October 29, 2006 at 5:00 PM

Very good shot Rich, great light and nice composition.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2729 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Steele on October 29, 2006 at 5:28 PM

Ditto the suggestion to move him just a hair to the left, but still it's quite spectacular!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 354 Posts, 13896 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Grey on October 29, 2006 at 8:56 PM

Oh I wish I had that one! Centering the bird laterally works for me, though I think having him a bit further left would work well too.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 144 Posts, 2069 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 30, 2006 at 9:29 AM

Congrats Ricahrd, sweet shot, that's a great perch he's on

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

Comment posted by Juza on October 30, 2006 at 11:42 AM

Very nice. I like the composition.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 374 Posts, 10466 Comments

Comment posted by David Kjaer on October 30, 2006 at 1:43 PM

Love it - beautiful image!

David

Registered on January 4, 2006, 128 Posts, 4170 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Danzenbaker on October 30, 2006 at 3:35 PM

I like the symmetry here, Rich.

Spend enough time in the field is right --- "luck favors the persistent."

Registered on December 2, 2003, 40 Posts, 791 Comments

Comment posted by David Hemmings on October 30, 2006 at 5:44 PM

This is beautiful, love the perch. Congrats on the mp!
Dave

Registered on May 26, 2006, 178 Posts, 1680 Comments

Comment posted by Kenneth Kijewski on October 30, 2006 at 7:21 PM

The setting, the pose , the light..everything works here, Rich!! Congrats!!

Registered on February 17, 2004, 166 Posts, 3390 Comments

Comment posted by Kirk Greene on October 31, 2006 at 1:33 AM

Fantastic image of an elusive subject..for me anyway. Congrats on the EP and well deserved!

Registered on May 12, 2004, 191 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Spiecker on October 31, 2006 at 9:50 AM

Somehow I missed this post and I am glad it was posted as a pick. Congratulations Richard, this post deserves the recognition! Well done!

Registered on March 23, 2006, 366 Posts, 4649 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on November 3, 2006 at 8:17 AM

Congrats on the EP, Richard!

What a beautiful image!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Benner on November 6, 2006 at 8:01 AM

Classic pose. Congratulations.

Registered on December 8, 2003, 482 Posts, 1868 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 27, 2009 at 9:07 PM

I enjoy this composition Richard. The branches and bird looking RT give a nice flow..
Technically right on the money, great light

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments