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Thread: Mating Kestrels

  1. #1
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Default Mating Kestrels

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    Canon 5D Mkiii
    Canon F/2.8 300mm with 1x4 TCiii
    f/5.6
    1/800
    ISO 400

    I have recently been watching a pair of kestrels, showing signs of building a nest, near to the top of an old scottish castle. This evening I visited the site, I saw the female sitting on the nest site within the castle wall, only showing her head. I stood and watched for 2 hours. Then, the male arrived and landed next to the female. The female then left the site carrying a mouse, which I managed to photograph (but slightly soft). The male also left, about 1 minute later, both returned and this happened

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    Lifetime Member Mike Poole's Avatar
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    Fantastic shot. Not contrived or set up in any way, totally natural, and the eye contact is superb. A perfect example of making the most of an opportunity that presents itself.

    Also, I hope you've warmed up now after a couple of hours of standing still!

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  4. #3
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    thanks Mike, still looking through the Kes pics, but yer, nice and warm now. Thanks for looking

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    It pays to be patient.

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    William set up's make life a bit simpler but this shows that with a lot of patience (I stood and watched for 2 hours) you get your reward, might just try to lighten the male bird, that apart very well done getting a great shot.
    Keith.

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    Super Moderator arash_hazeghi's Avatar
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    the male's pose is great and has sharp details, it's a shame we can't see the female. the image is too dark (underexposed by at least a stop)

    TFS
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  10. #7
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi William, for me this is the best image you have processed, full stop! A big step forward, well done, however Arash has covered the main issues.

    Interesting as I was just reading Brutus Ostling article about the very same subject.

    TFS
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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Patience sure did pay off for you here! Nice details and neat pose(s). I agree with exposure remark, and too bad you could not get a higher vantage point to get both individuals in full view.

  12. #9
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Hi William, for me this is the best image you have processed, full stop! A big step forward, well done, however Arash has covered the main issues.

    Interesting as I was just reading Brutus Ostling article about the very same subject.

    TFS
    Steve
    Thanks Steve, really appreciated

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