American Kestrel Male

Taken today at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve in Newport Beach, CA.

I generally don't like non-natural perches, but it is rare that these little raptors let me get this close. Factor in the sweet late-afternoon sun and the decent background, and I decided to swallow my pride and just fire away.

I darkened some hot spots on the bird, but now that I look at the image it may need some additional selective burning-in.

Canon 7D & the 400mm f/5.6 lens. Manual; f/8; 1/1600sec; ISO 640.

Thanks for looking,

John

John, a beautiful image! I was over there today too, and go there often, but have no idea where this was taken.

I would crop from the bottom to get rid of some of the post.

I'd be tempted to make this more of a horizontal rectangular crop if it were mine. I love the pose and the light. Interesting that your kestrel male has grey on the crown as well as ours (in Australia). Well done capturing this image mate! :)

Nice Bird. Looks very similar to our Common Kestrel, except for the Grey wing edge. I agree with Jeff on cropping a little in the bottom to get rid of the post.

BR,
Subbu

Hi John I like how you have brought out the colours in the late afternoon light, eye contact and sharpness is spot on. I too think a pano with less of the perch would work well. Nice image.

I like the light, colours, and sharpness, and you have captured a good pose and HA. Good colours in the BG too. If this were mine, I would try and straighten the perch and see how the kestrel looked in terms of not leaning to far forward.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. Looks like the consensus is for a horizontal crop, so here it is. I also straightened the pole a bit.

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I was over there today too, and go there often, but have no idea where this was taken

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Wendell, the bird was perched right next to the bike path which runs along Irvine Ave, just a few hundred feet down from the University Ave. intersection. This area seems to be a favorite of Kestrels; I see them hunting there quite often. Keep an eye out for the Meadowlarks that hang out in that area too.

John

John-

Kestrels have to rank near the top of raptors as far beauty IMO. Wonderful colors and detail. TFS.

Great sharpness, pose and HA. If he is a regular at this perch I would duct tape a natural perch to the steel bar and see if he takes advantage of it. This would get you this beauty with the perch of your choice.

Thanks, John, I'll check it out . . .

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Kestrels have to rank near the top of raptors as far beauty IMO

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Completely agree, Tom - their combination of colors make Kestrels one of the prettiest raptors...

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If he is a regular at this perch I would duct tape a natural perch to the steel bar and see if he takes advantage of it.

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Jim, I don't know how the reserve managers would view this, but I'm considering approaching them to find out if they're ok with it.

John