The fast flying lanner falcon

[Richard Flack]

Lanner Falcon - Falcon biarmicus

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is famous for its birds of prey and big cats. And when it comes to its birds of prey, the graceful, fast flying lanner falcon must be on every photographer’s bucket list.
After spending two afternoons at the Polentswa waterhole, I came away with a few shots of these incredible assassins, which I am really chuffed to call my own.
They are not in the same class as David S or Arash but at least I have something to keep me inspired and aim for. (I am just happy I got them in the frame and focused :))

This photograph is of one of the two juvenile lanner falcons that had made the waterhole their home. While improving their hunting skills, they spent much of the day harassing every feathered visitor to Polentswa, including gabar and pale-chanting goshawks as well as tawny and booted eagles.

Location: Polentswa Waterhole, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Date taken: 11 June 2013
Photo details:
ISO 640
Shutter speed 1/4000
F stop 6.3
Exposure bias -0.3
Small crop, sharpened for web

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Rich, I like this flying pose, as the head is separated from the far wing nicely. Good wingspread, well exposed on the underwings, and overall nice and sharp. If this were mine, I would tone down the BG a touch.

[Karl Egressy]

Great banking pose and nice details.

[John Rowell]

Nice pose and coloring. You did well to keep him in the frame and focused. Like the catchlight in the eye and love the light dappling on the underside of the wings.

[shane shacaluga]

Nice pose and good light in the underwing considering the harsh looking light

Good view of the head away from the wings and nice and sharp

TFS

[Bill Dix]

Good sharp head, and detail on the underwing. Well captured. I might also see the bg toned down slightly.

[David Salem]

I would be tickled to have a frame this good of a Lanner in flight. The pose looks great and the detail is awesome, looks like you locked on well.
Good suggestions on toning down the BG a bit. Keep it up, your getting better!

[Richard Flack]

Thanks for the comments everyone!
David, thanks for the encouragement! Really appreciate it!

[Ivan Ellison]

I too would be pleased with this shot. Nice wing spread and eye contact. the bird stands out well against the bg. Your time has paid off well.