An older photo I’ve never posted to Feathered Photography before.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 320, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
When this male American Kestrel landed in a clump of spindly twigs he grasped several of them with his feet in an effort to give him more support, but he still had trouble. While I had him in my viewfinder he was having a devil of a time staying upright so his tail and wings were flailing all over the place. I was close so I cut off a lot of body parts in my photos while he was struggling.
Because I was close he kept his eye on me the entire time so all of my photos had good eye contact, cut off body parts or not. A second or so after this shot was taken he gave up and took off to his right and behind him so all I got of him in flight was butt shots.
I like this photo because of his unusual tail and wing position. And because I didn’t amputate any body parts.
A vertical composition of the same photo if you prefer. I think I like this version best but both compositions work for me.
Ron
An American Kestrel that doesn’t look feisty and ticked off. Who woulda thunk it? 😉 He almost looks like he’s showing off a bit — like a high wire walker that bobs and weaves on purpose — “Look at me!” However, I see just a wee bit of concern in his eye.
There. I’m done anthropomorphizing for the day. 😂 I like the vertical crop better because that long twig on the bird’s right frames the shot rather than interrupting the visual flow as I feel it does in the first version. Either way, though, a marvelous kestrel! (and I’d be happy to join EC in wading through your archives)
Marty, he might not look ticked off in that photo but I suspect he was, after trying so hard and failing to stay on that spindly perch. Thank you.
How I would love to trawl through your archives. I suspect I could/would be there for days. Very, very happy days.
I prefer the vertical shot because of the reasons Michael listed. The tension is so very evident. And I am amazed that he was even able to keep his eye on you while he sought balance.
EC, my archives are a mess right now. When they worked on my old computer I lost many of the links between my organizer and my photos. So I still have the photos but finding them is a nightmare.
The vertical photo is outstanding. Worthy to be an Audubon photo contest winner. I work with our Kestrel restoration folks here in Prescott and have often seen them perched on spindly twigs like this. They leave us here in the hot summer and then return in the fall.
Thanks, Everett. If I lived in certain parts of AZ I’d leave for the summer too.
Hi Everett – like to learn more about the Kestrel restoration work you are doing.
I like the first photo best. The “struggle” to maintain his balance
creates a dynamic quality– one foot forward instead of the side-
by side we usually see– almost a walking- in- air impression ! I like starting my day with “Feathered Photography” because it frames
my worldview–however temporarily–around what I feel is fundamentally important….all that human-centered stuff will intrude all too soon–thanks for the daily reminder of what’s true and beautiful.
Thanks for the daily respite………
Kris, thanks very much for your kind words about Feathered Photography. Comments like that give me the oomph to continue.
Fun and lovely shot, Ron. 🙂 Such beautiful little assassins! 😉 In this case I like the vertical better………
Thanks, Judy.
Beautiful photos! Can’t make my mind up which version I like better!
Thanks, Joanne.
That’s beautiful. We had a pair nest on our porch this year. I had never seen any close up before. Amazing colors.
Jimmy, I’m jealous of the kestrels nesting on your porch. More jealous than you may be able to imagine.
Me too!
This is an amazing photo of a beautiful bird. I also enjoy your words that accompany your photos.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you on both counts, Kaye.
A gorgeous bird, and a worthy photo. A fleeting moment of time.
The vertical composition works best as it complements the lines of the tail and wings. You can almost feel the tension; the struggle to maintain balance while maintaining vigilance of his surroundings.
Thanks, Michael. I agree with your composition choice, in part for the reason you mentioned.