American Kestrel

[Raybel Robles]

Taken at Bosque del Apache last week.


D750 | 300mm f/2.8 | 2.0x TC

ƒ/8.0
1/1600s
ISO 800

[Alex Becker]

Very cool. I love the perch and setting. The OOF ones add depth and provide a nice blue / brown color palette that matches the bird well. To me, the bird looks a bit flat and I'm wondering if some added contrast could help? I'm not that familiar with kestrel as I rarely see them this close so I could be off base. TFS

[Isaac Grant]

I agree pretty much word for word with Alex. Very pretty and I love the way the branches and out of focus branches work together. The bird does look thin to me as well. I would do a curves adjustment or would increase the mid tones while at the same time making the whites a bit whiter as well.

[Glenn Pure]

The setting here is really what makes this one for me, Ray. The bird is beautiful too, of course and really nicely presented in this image with a composition that works well for me. The side lighting has created some great form on the bird and helped show off some of the beautiful detail. Not being familiar, I can't comment on the colour except to say it looks fine to me. Nothing I'd change on this one.

[Jay Ing]

Lovely shot, Ray. I'd like the AK a bit darker (more contrasty?) but this is one case where the branches just help make the shot. Where at BdA was this... can't imagine it. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful NY.

Jay

[gail bisson]

This is a great image Ray.
I just love the little delicate branches holding up such a beautiful bird.All the vertical lines create a really pleasing effect.
I might be tempted to clone out the OOF branch touching the bird on the RHS if I was doing a print but that is a minor issue.
I have never seen a kestrel this close in real life so I cannot comment on the midtones on the bird.
I really like this!
Gail

[Joseph Przybyla]

Nice work, Ray. I like everything about the image. I would keep as it is. The bird looks fine in nice soft light. Thank you for sharing.

[Raybel Robles]

Thanks everyone. I did felt the Kestrel needed a bit more of a contrast. I will darken the midtones a bit and that should do the trick.

[Raybel Robles]

Lovely shot, Ray. I'd like the AK a bit darker (more contrasty?) but this is one case where the branches just help make the shot. Where at BdA was this... can't imagine it. Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful NY.

Jay

Hi Jay,

This was taken by the trees on the road side, just before you get to where the Bosque Del Apache sign is. I was leaving for the morning when I saw it while driving. Thankfully there was no cars in sight and I managed to stop and get some photos.

[Arthur Morris]

Ditto all the positives. Is the bird too centered? The shadow of the branch on the breast really bugs me; I cannot quite looking right at it ...

with love, artie

[Jim Crosswell]

Very nice setting you captured this Kestrel in. I like the composition, sharpness, details and agree with giving the Kestrel a little more punch. Well done Raybel!