Juv Rock kestrel

[Dave Barnes]

Image captured in overcast weather on the West Coast close to a small fishing village called Port Nolloth early in the morning on the first day of this year.
I went for a walk in the desert dunes close to town. I was able to to get reasonably close and capture a few images, some on this persh low to the ground and a few on a low bush. This image had me creeping on all fours to get close and a better angle.This bird was free and wild.
I hope I have as much luck for the remainder of the year.

Camera Model Name Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens EF400mm f/5.6L USM
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
ISO Speed 400
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/2000
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +2/3

[Amy Marques]

Hi. Beautiful little raptor stands out nicely against the light, muted bg. I like the open beak and windswept feathers on the shoulder.

[lee bothma]

super shot dave, great detail and exposure.

[Stu Bowie]

Excellent sharp detail Dave, and getting down and dirty paid off here. The open beak and the slight hint of the tongue puts this over the top. Well captured.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

This is mad Dave! Love the detail and calling pose. May the rest of your 2010 be this good as you said.

[Lise De Serres]

A tack sharp shot with a superb eye contact and great details in the plumage. Great choice of aperture to blurr the background!!

[Justin Reznick]

Great sharpness and detail! Incredible that you were able to get this close. Fantastic image Dave!

[Mark Dumbleton]

Very impressive Dave! Stunning use of opportunity and super sharp detail. Love the open beak. Very well done!

[Dave Barnes]

Thanks to all for looking and for comments, they are appreciated.