Kestrel

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM, EF 2xII, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/400, full frame image.

Look forward to your comments and critiques.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Harshad Barve]

Wish for colorful BG , rest looks fine here
TFS

[Kiran Poonacha]

lovely one SP, like the high key here, nice details and look.. WD.

[Stu Bowie]

Good eye contact Sabya, and I like the detail. If anything, I would remove the single twig just above his tail.

[Danny J Brown]

Hey SP - Great detail on this kestrel. I love the way its holding the perch with those talons and the way it is looking for you. Background is harsh but you handled it well.

[Dave Leroy]

Very good looking photo. I also don't mind the high key. The direct stare also works well. Very nice composition and good for you to get it in camera. Dave

[Doug Brown]

Nice job with the exposure. I don't mind the high-key; I just wish the bird's left eye had some light shining on it.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Dear All,
Thanks for your comments.

Kiran,
This was in your backyard (Hessarghatta near Bangalore). I could find some time from my schedule and visited this place.

Stuart,
Since I don't clone, I will have to live with the twig. I try to get it right in the field, but only saw the twig after I parked my SUV, took out my bean bag on the roof and looked through the viewfinder. :-(

Doug,
This year, I have been trying high key where ever possible. I guess, I am have to make it more compelling.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Narayan Pai]

lovely details with bird looking directly at you .....wish for a better BG ....TFS