KESTREL

[Mongo]

This is one of the handful of images taken with Mongo’s 200-400 VR 1 that were worth keeping. The performance of the lens was otherwise so mediocre that Mongo sold it some years ago.

When you study bird and raptors in particular, there are many fancy ones which usually capture the imagination of many e.g eagles, falcons etc. They all have their particular points of interest. However, after studying and observing this bird for many years, Mongo has found the kestrel probably the most beautiful, social and intreating of all and has Mongo’s utmost respect and admiration in the bird world. It is hard to do justice with any image to the deserved nobility and pedigree of this creature.

For those interested in the figures:- D800, 200-400mm f4 @ f6.3, 1/1250th, ISO 360

[Ron Scubadiver]

Lovely bird.

[pluton]

Great pose, beautiful lighting. 

[Akira]

Lovely bird.

Ditto!  "Lovely" is the key word for the bird images by Mongo in general, methinks.

[John Geerts]

A beauty of a shot !  Perfect in light and pose.

[Bent Hjarbo]

Very nice picture, must agree with all others comments, light, pose etc.

[Peter Connan]

Beautiful photo of a beautiful bird!

[Woodley Willie]

Wonderful photo in every way...so interesting to see the bird in a less than streamlined state.  And the sky!
The words of Mongo compliment the image perfectly...
Thank-you

[Mongo]

thank you all for looking and for your comments. Interesting observation Woodley Willie made about catching this elegant bird in one of its less streamline moments. True, it is good to see it in all its guises. Have attached an additional image of its more commonly seen states of dress just to complete this post (D800E, AFS300mm f4 @ f11, 1/1600th, ISO800 with 1.7EII). thanks again to all.

[elsid]

Very good shots Mongo. Kestrels are lovely birds. Have you photographed one while hovering?

[Mongo]

Very good shots Mongo. Kestrels are lovely birds. Have you photographed one while hovering?

thank you  and , Yes, many times. Some have been attached as examples. They often eat on the fly as well. The biggest problem with these generally is the backlighting and having to do some PP to try and bring it back a little. These shots are often in the late afternoon sun and that just adds some colour issues as well to overcome to some degree only as afternoon lighting is otherwise quite nice most of the time when not too intense.

[Ron Scubadiver]

That last one, oh my, claws ready, dinnertime.

[David H. Hartman]

... It is hard to do justice with any image to the deserved nobility and pedigree of this creature.

Too fluffy; too cute. The warm browns of the kestrel set it apart from the pastel blue sky too nicely. The perch and branch in front complement each other too well.

Dave Hartman

I'm not the least bit jealous.

[Akira]

Amazing additional images of different aspects of this attractive bird!

[David H. Hartman]

Do bird enjoy flying or do they take it for granted?