Curious American Kestrel

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Shot this guy with my favorite lens - Canon MkIII, 400 5.6 lens, shot at 1/1600, f8, 400 ISO, handheld on bushhawk.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/...b01e9b44_o.jpg

Thanks for looking :)

Bill

Bill, this is a terrific image, great pose with head turn, view of the top side and well exposed. I would only go back in the sharpening because the plumagel looks sort to frozen and there's a halo in the bill.

Excellent image depicting the markings of this bird and I really like the fanned tail. Would like to see if you can get the primaries on his right wing more closely resembling the black on his left or vice versa. Small dust spot right of his bill is noticeable or maybe it's just due to resizing for here.

Bill:

Excellent image, with great dorsal view, and that tail is a killer. Agree with the technical comments from Fabs and Mike. The background color is very complimentary to the bird. I might be tempted to give it just a smidge more room to the right.

Thanks for sharing this beauty.

Randy

Very nice flight shot. I love the color and the composition. I might give the right side a little more room and the feathers' texture, especially the black ones look odd. Maybe too much sharpening or contrast?

Stunning flight pose and wonderful color and detail. Love the beautiful eye contact too . Your timing was perfect Bill. Love it.

Awesome pose indeed. Agreed with too much sharpening. I like the wingspread very much. HA is fantastic too. No nits really. :)

Great flight shot Bill, love the fanned tail and pose. Not an easy task with these fast little falcons.

Super exposure comp and pose. I do feel you need to sharpen a bit ...just watch for halo around the beak. Great one well done

Thanks very much for the helpful critiques and comments everyone :)

Bill

I really like this shot...great pose and eye contact! Congrats!

Superb top view of a bird wih a perfect plumage. Very good job Bill