Kestrel with Prey

[John Cooper]

This Australian Kestrel had just alighted at it's nest hollow with a partially plucked Starling.

Canon EOS 3, Canon 100-300 F5.6L, ISO 100, Natural light with fill-flash, Hide atop of Tower, Tripod.

[Dario Marelli]

wow such a great captur John!!!

[Robert Amoruso]

Tough lite to deal with here and you did a good job. The action outshines minor quibbles with the face shadow. I would liked to have seen more fill-flash to brighten the shadow on the face but sometimes all you have is that one moment and no opportunity to fine-tune the flash exposure.

[Fabs Forns]

An unforgettable capture. The harsh light didn't help you, but they do hunt in that light, not sweet light, I guess they can see better.
I see you tried to include the whole hollow, but that puts the bird in a conspicuous place in the frame. Maybe lay around with some more crops?

[Alfred Forns]

That is what I was thinking John I downloaded the image cropped half of the opening and works great !!!!! Excellent image Can only imagine if you were up there with Digital and long lens!!!! Big Congrats !!!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Really a stunning capture John. What a find < smile > I agree with previous suggestions.

[Stephen Stephen]

Great image here John. I have nothing to add to the suggestions and minor nits mentioned.

[Thonnaksar NOP]

Another great work, John !
Image full of caracter. I really love your bird captures.