American Kestral with Crickett

[Grace Scalzo]

Every once in a while I take a picture that despite a less than desirable element, I still think worthy of keeping in my portfolio. This is one of them. Sure I would like to have him on a natural perch, but these birds are not tame around here, and to get one with a crickett, I'm not too twisted over the snow fence. :)

Canon 1dx, 600f4+ 2.0tc + blubb from within car
1/2500, f8, iso1000

[dankearl]

The Perch is fine (I might crop to eliminate the last one on the right) and maybe add bit more color to the bird?

[Karl Egressy]

Nice side light on the bird. Love the pose, detail and the prey in the beak.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the pose, prey, clean BG, exposure control and details. Nice image Grace.

[Ross Taylor]

Hi Grace, I am with you regarding the perch. I have yet to have the opportunity to photograph a Kestral.

That said, patterns stand out in photos, sometimes as the subject. Perhaps darkening the faces of the fence posts could bring out the bird more?

TFS
Ross

[William Dickson]

I like this one Grace. The overall light and at f/8 has captured it perfectly. The bird 'pops' just enough for the light conditions. Well done

Will

[Marina Scarr]

Great side lighting, BG, prey and feather details. For some reason, my eye would like to see a tad off of the left side.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Grace, great angled pose showing off his meal, and the Kestrel pops nicely against your smooth OOF BG. Im fine with the row of 'perches' and you have even shown us a lesson in DOF.

[gail bisson]

This is terrific Grace.
I love the repeated pattern of the sticks.
I might bump up the saturation of the kestrel very slightly.
Love the cricket!
Great catch of a very skittish bird!