American kestrel (Halconcito colorado)

[Patricio Murphy]

Nikon D200, Sigma 400mm f/5.6 APO, ISO400, 1/800, f/8. A mode +1.3EV
This one didn't give me time to set up the tripod, so the shot is handheld. It's a moderate crop of the original.

The photograph was shot at the RECS (short for Costanera Sur Natural Reserve in spanish), in Buenos Aires. The day, basically, sucked :p until this bird perched in a near post to have lunch. Perch could be better, but I think the moment compensates. Comments and critics most welcome.

[Brian Barcelos]

I agree with your opinion on the action tops the perch. Very nice exposure. Colors look beautiful. One of these flew right over our car today but never bothered to stop for some pics. Congrats.

Brian

[Harshad Barve]

NIce BG and great colors of bird, This image looks soft to me (?)
Harshad

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I think a vertical crop and a little more sharpening would be better. A very coool momment.

[Patricio Murphy]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions (I'll possibly also try de vertical crop, but I also have verticals, so I don't know if this one should go that way).
I gave it more sharpening, and sure I looks better. I didn't see it too soft until I compared...

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The sharpness in the repost looks better but it caused a sharpening halo. Make sure to only select the bird and maybe perch and shrink the selection by a pixel or two.

[Ramon M. Casares]

I like the OP better, the second one look oversahrpened, nice natural moment and detail, light angle and perch are not ideal IMO.
Congratulations.