I’m a big fan of hoarfrost in my bird photos, especially when the bird is as colorful and beautiful as the male American Kestrel.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 400, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This guy was perched on an old sunflower stalk as he took a break from hunting on a very cold morning at Farmington Bay WMA. The entire refuge was covered with snow and a thick layer of hoarfrost so almost everything I could see was monochromatic white. In such a setting birds tend to really stand out, male kestrels more than most.
For bird photographers shooting from vehicles one disadvantage of fresh snow when it’s very cold is the sound of tires crunching in the snow. That noise often flushes birds before we can get close. Even though birds tend to be much “stickier” in extreme cold like this that’s far from a hard and fast rule so I was delighted when he allowed me a close approach and then posed for me in good light.
The event was even more memorable for me because this was one of the very first times I managed to capture high quality photos of an American Kestrel. This shot was taken almost exactly twelve years ago, on January 14, 2008. I posted a similar image of him many years ago but this one is new to my blog.
Last night we had several inches of fluffy white snow so I’d love to return to Farmington this morning in pursuit of birds. Even though it’s cloudy the reflective qualities of snow can compensate for low light and I’ll bet the refuge is nothing short of beautiful. Yet another attraction of being there right after fresh snow has fallen is the lack of crowds and traffic.
But wouldn’t you know it, I have an appointment later this morning so there’ll be no birds in a snowy setting for me.
Sometimes life just gets in the way of… life.
Ron
Addendum:
Kathy, here’s a vertical composition of the same image as per your request. I didn’t post it vertically in the original post because in order to keep the frosted twig at left completely in the frame the bird has to be centered in the composition.
Spectacular shot Ron!
Charlotte
A stunning delight!
BOTH are so very, VERY beautiful!!!
oh, yes. I like the repetition of his colours in the background with all the white.
Thanks, Jane.
I am patiently awaiting the day you post even one slightly crappy photo…so I’ll no longer have to be quite so self-conscious about the half-a** ones I am so good at. It certainly won’t be in this current Kestrel series. They’ve ALL been over the top.
I’ve posted my share of crappy photos, Jim – especially when I’m documenting behaviors. Keep in mind, I get to pick and choose what I post. I’ve got OODLES of junk that you’ll never see.
Hope your appointment went well, Ron.
Here’s another shot that would make an excellent holiday card. With the intensity in the Kestrel’s eye, the inside message could be, “Happy Holidays — or else, dammit!” I also like the vertical crop very much. (Loved yesterday’s goosie shot too!)
Thanks, Marty. It’s behind me, that’s the best part…
WHAT a beauty. And the hoar frost and the snow are very almost as beautiful.
Thank you – and thanks to Kathy as well. Centred or not I do (very slightly) prefer the vertical.
Thank you, EC. I wish you had a wee bit of our frost and snow right now…
Simply superb photograph! The male kestrel, in my humble opinion, ranks as one of the most beautiful birds in existence. Achieving excellence such as yours in capturing one digitally, a worthy goal.
Heading out now to search for some hoarfrost on the orange trees …
“The male kestrel, in my humble opinion, ranks as one of the most beautiful birds in existence”
And I share that opinion, Wally. They can make even a mediocre photographer look good!
Oh, and lots’a luck finding hoarfrost in Florida (although I understand it does happen occasionally).
Stunning picture. The background really makes this picture very artistic.
Thank you, Betty.
The way his talons clasp the perch…I’m mesmerized for some reason. I’m with Kathy. The vertical appeals.
His feet were one of the first things I noticed too, Arwen. My eye is attracted to them as much as it is to the eye.
His feet are such a bright orange that it draws my eye. Plus, falcon feet often seem big for the bird.
Bright colors with snow and hoarfrost. Wonderful! I like the vertical because it allows the bird to be so much bigger and reveals the details better. Just a gorgeous photo either way.
Thank you, Nancy.
Love the way he is clutching that stalk! ❤️And that slight thin line above his eye of darker feathers gives him a look of query.🤨 Excellent! Also the fine detail of the hoarfrost is wonderful. I would call this ‘the cat’s meow”! 😍 If you are ever so inclined … the back of my mind wants more and I can’t help but wonder what this shot would look like in a slightly more vertical perspective.
Kathy, your wish is my command. See the addendum above.
I LOVE IT!!! ❤️ Honestly I would say that is the most beautiful capture of this bird I have ever seen. That face and those feet! 😍 I would love to purchase a print…the sharpness here…I can just feel the softness of his breast feathers. You made my day…week …with this photo! When you do any prints for someone, if possible I really do want to purchase this one! Thank you!!!
Kathy, I’ll email you.
Another great one. Love these new, to me, kestrel shots you’ve been posting Ron.
Good. Thank you, Art.
Thanks for pulling this one out of the archives. What superb detail; I’ve been scanning the Kestrel’s features for several minutes now. Just spellbinding. This remind me of your discussion a while back of BOAS vs. BIH. I think you’ve got the best of both worlds here. Stay safe on those icy roads.
Yup, this one is sort of a hybrid of those two types of shots. Thanks, Lyle.
Very nice photo Ron. The male Kestrel really stands out in the snow and hoarfrost. And yes, those Aussies sure can use some of our snow. We had kind of a freak snowstorm last night. Have not gone out yet to see how much.
Thanks, Everett. Hope you enjoy your snow. Wish I could enjoy ours this morning but all I’ll get out of it is trying to drive safely on our slick roads.
He’s a beauty! 🙂 Hoarfrost and snow REALLY set him off with his cute pose tho fluffed up to keep warm while keeping an eye on you… 😉 -3 here at the moment with clear skies. “Dry” snow yesterday afternoon tho not a lot. Next week will being doing daytime sub-zero it sounds like. ‘Tis the season BUT never ready for these temps. 🙁
Thanks, Judy. At least it won’t be 40 below. I’ve seen those temps in your neck of the woods quite a few times over the years.
Always can be worse! I’m sure Australia would welcome “some” of this!
Emphatically we would welcome some cooler weather – and even more some moisture. Another horror weekend ahead.