This handsome male is a confirmed creature of habit, just like me.
Readers may remember the stretching male American Kestrel I photographed on December 3 near the Bear River. Two days later, on December 5, I photographed him in the same tree, stretching again. I posted photos to my blog of him stretching that were taken on both days.
Well, guess what.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Three days after that, on December 8, I found him once again in the same tree and on the same branch at almost exactly the same time of day. Stretching.
I thought I was a world class creature of habit but I’m a rank amateur compared to this guy.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But this time, after his stretching routine, he perked up and began hunting from the same perch. It was obvious that he was hunting because he was clearly scanning the vegetation below him for prey. I figured that if he dived steeply down for prey I wouldn’t get photos with a good look at his face or a catch light in his eye but I still wanted the shots for the good look I might get of the beautiful dorsal colors and markings of a male kestrel in flight.
So I tried to prepare myself for the explosive takeoff of a kestrel after prey – you know, appropriate camera settings, finger on the half-depressed shutter button, enough room in the frame in the direction he was likely to take off and above all, paying strict attention – stuff like that.
And then I waited, for what seemed like forever.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 250, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
When he spotted potential prey below him he took off after it like a shot.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 250, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The beginning of the power dive.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 250, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I actually kept him in frame for three flight shots but just barely, which is why this last photo has a funky composition – his head was nearly at the frame edge. At least I didn’t clip or cut off any body parts.
As far as I could tell he didn’t catch whatever he was after.
Yeah, I wish I had a better look at his face and light in his eye but I was still happy to get the photos, if for no other reason than keeping him in frame and getting him reasonably sharp for three flight shots. To some degree I consider that a success in its own right.
Ron
It’s obvious. He was after Poland!
Amazing sequence. Makes one realize how majestic God’s creatures are.
Fabulous dive bomb series! Congrats on keeping that feisty little falcon in frame. 🙂
Thanks, Marty. I was pleasantly surprised by that success.
Really appreciate the great dorsal views of this beautiful bird. Thanks.
Thanks, Burrdoo.
Gorgeous bird. And yes, better an opportunity to see and share his beautiful markings even if the composition, background, etc etc weren’t “artful”.
His dorsal colors and markings are something aren’t they, Granny Pat.
Agree on that. They are beautiful birds. I have never seen a kestrel, but am hopeful to see one here in Central Maryland. We have even installed a kestrel nest box in a hole in our barn in hopes they might nest here.
Definitely a success. What an amazing view of an already amazing bird.
And yes, I too am a creature of habit. Starting my morning (after pilling the cat) is one of them. A cherished and valued habit.
EC, I’m so routine-oriented my friends make fun of me for it. Probably deservedly so.
Wow, great! These may be my favorite of your kestrel shots yet. Thanks for the patience and skill.
Thanks very much, Art.
These are amazing. The last three are a study in motion, spectacular
I saw my first Junco, of the season, this morning. You were right when you said I would see one after the first significant snow storm..
Take Care,
Kaye
Kaye, If I try often enough I eventually get something right… 🙂
I have snow on the ground but I’ve yet to see a junco at my feeder. Hopefully soon.
I love all the spots on the third flight image. I had no idea they were so extensive.
Thanks, Pam.
I’ve seen these guys take off. Very little if any cues that they are about to do so. Even with your years of experience and practice it’s still a marvel that you can capture what practically amounts to photographing a bullet exiting the barrel of a gun.
On another subject about which you have often posted, I just read this article:
https://www.hcn.org/articles/water-utah-has-a-water-dilemma
Yes, Utah certainly has a water dilemma. Even though we have snow on the ground right now it’s only a drop in the bucket.
A friend of mine posted that article on Facebook recently.
OMG– I’d only ever seen a Kestrel’s ventral side and handsome face, but
WOW–no wonder you were hoping to capture the dorsal view…After seeing
it, I think it must be the most beautiful in the kingdom of the birds– made me
exclaim out loud…… Thanks for a real treat !
Kris, dorsally male kestrels are one spectacular bird. Thank you.
Just WOW! I am so impressed that you were able to get these shots of the Kestrel diving!! The first one with his wings posed for the dive took my breath! All of the photos are beautiful. The ones of him stretching and enjoying his morning routine made me smile. And my thoughts about his favorite perch? Most of us have a favorite chair don’t we? Makes sense that this beautiful little falcon would have a comfy spot to greet the morning. Thank you for your patience and persistence, Ron!!
Good point about our favorite chairs, Melanie. I certainly have mine.
Damn right that is a success in its own right. If I even got the first of those three I would be giving myself a high five. At the speed they dive that is a super accomplishment Ron.
Eagles and Kestrels are my top two favorites. Although eagles can also dive rapidly at least you have a much larger body to follow than with these little guys and gals.
Judy’s right about cute and innocent, but like you I have seen them catch prey and then the innocence is quickly gone.
Much appreciated, Everett. I can tell that you ‘get it’ when it comes to the speed of kestrel takeoffs.
WOW! Beautiful capture of him diving after whatever! 🙂 He looks so cute and innocent while scanning for prey – HA! Beautiful view of his dorsal side in various positions.
Doing the wind thing this morning….. 🙁
“He looks so cute and innocent”
That’s deceptive isn’t it, Judy.
I see from your FB post that there’s a blizzard in Glacier County. Ahh, the memories…
Glad I’m not living in Glacier Co. right now and even happier I’m not in KY!
I know what you mean.
Simply remarkable shots, Ron. Bravo!
Thanks very much, Dan.
Awesome shots, Ron! Kestrels are one of my favorites.
Thanks, Cathy.