Female Kestrel

A total of eight hours camped out in the tent today covering both sunrise and sunset on the lookout for hares and instead got my first Kestrel.

I'm chuffed to bits to get these as they were totally unexpected and still ended the day with no shots of hares!

A couple of favourites from today all shot at 600mm with approx 50% crop.

More can be found on my website in the gallery with a write up in the blog here.

1.




2.

Again a wonderful set Danny. I particularly like #2 - it is so unusual to see a kestrel on the ground like this and the DOF just works beautifully with it.
It could be another contender for the Countryfile calender imho .

If ever there was an advert for the 250-600 these are they.
Very impressive, and such dedication in getting them.
Your output just seems to be getting better and better.

Davex.

#2 is a super shot Danny. Got my first Kestrel yesterday too. Although at low shutter speed and ISO 6400 whilst looking for owls, I don't think I'll be sharing

No.2 is a fantastic shot of a beautiful bird of prey. Works so well against the greens and browns of the vegetation in the field.

Regards
David

Great shots, (No2) as others have said is an unusual image. May be no hares, but your 8 hours camped in a tent, was certainly not wasted.

Take care.

Just wonderful. Terrific catch of her clocking you in #1, but like Gwyn I think #2 is even better - such an unusual shot for a BOP.

Two truly engaging photographs.

Many thanks for the wonderful feedback everyone, it really helps knowing that you are enjoying what I'm doing as it is keeping me motivated to keep on getting out there!

Have decided to really go for some competitions next year Gwyn so getting out as much as I can to get the portfolio built up. Do wish that I was closer with this one but considering the size of the field she could have landed miles away so consider myself very lucky.

It can be frustrating sometimes though Dave! Went back this afternoon with the plan of getting some kestrel shots using the logic that if I did that, the hares would turn up, to find the farmer ploughing up the field! It's amazing what that £20 tent has done for my photography! Lying down in comfort out of the wind without being seen really helps with getting the results.

I like # 2 too, the eye contact is great. I have to say I admire your dedication! Some great pics on your blog too, I especially like the one of the bird catching a fish. Was that one set up at all, ie, did you provide the fish?

Thanks Jonathan!

The fish one was not setup it was pure luck! Did a write up here.

Proof that patience pays off I just wish I had some

Number 1 for me, maybe because of my shear lack of luck with birds in flight. To catch a kestrel, that sharp, the head in pose - outstanding

Worth the wait I'm sure!