American Kestrel

[Kurt Bowman]

I couldn't believe how close this female Kestrel allowed us to get. Where I am from, she would have flown away if we got within 100 feet easy. Even then about a 40% crop for presentation.
A9ii, 200-600mm 1.4 TC
1/5000 at f/9, ISO 1600
EC +2/3

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Kurt, nice image of a Kestrel. Spot on for the light angle, perfect wing position and angle of the bird flying. I cannot get close to these birds in Florida. Thank you for sharing.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Kurt the web image does not do you justice, when downloaded and viewed in PSCC it is just beautiful - well done, excellent details and lovely colours.

[William Dickson]

Lovely flight pose Kurt...You have great detail on the bird, and those talons look amazing....I feel that it can be brighter, but maybe my monitor....I like your crop

Will

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Kurt. I'd be happy with this one! Only seen a Kestrel on a high power pole here. Great flight shot, sharp and with a nice contrasting background. Superb HA. TFS

[Ian McLachlan]

Agree with the praise offered above. I like this HA as well the bird has' purpose'.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I have the same experience as you normally have in regards to approaching this species - hence zero kestrel files in my archives! Everything works well for me here except for two things: there seems to be a very slight hint of motion blur? And I would also remove what appears to be the nictitating membrane partial closed. I love the fully-lowered wing position.

[arash_hazeghi]

quite cool and dynamic frame, the nictitating membrane is partially closed which can be fixed in post..

TFS