Pygmy Falcons

[Callie de Wet]

Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus, Kingdom: Animalia (Animals), Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrates), Class: Aves (Birds), Order: Ciconiiformes (Storklike Birds), "Family: Falconidae (Falcons, Kestrels)", Dwergvalk, Zwergfalke, Falcão-pigmeu, Fauconnet d'Afrique, Afrikaanse Dwergvalk These guys are about the size of a sparrow and frequent the nest of the Sociable Weavers where they appropriate one of the nests for their use. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, north of Twee Rivieren
The female has a rufous back, just visible on the left bird.
Nikon D300S, 600 f/4 + 1.4 TC, Breaking my neck balancing the lens on the car window above eye level; ISO 800; 1/5000; F/7.1; -0,3 EV; 07h24 AM

[Bryan Hix]

Wow, what cool little raptors! If they are sharp enough, I would bring the crop in much tighter on the pair.

[Callie de Wet]

Wow, what cool little raptors! If they are sharp enough, I would bring the crop in much tighter on the pair.

Thanks Bryan, I shot about 40 or so frames, different poses, and yes, a nearer crop is possible. Here, I wanted the perch fully in.

[Chris Kotze]

Sharp and super detail and colours.

[Jim Crosswell]

I never knew that there is such a small Falcon. I would like to see a tighter crop as well. Having two in the image is an extra bonus, congratulations!

[Julie Brown]

Callie, I agree that a tighter crop would showcase the birds, but I think your composition with the perch is very well done.:) Amazing birds!

[Stu Bowie]

Callie, I like the light here, and its always great to get a double. Both sharp, and just love that clear blue sky.

[Callie de Wet]

Thanks guys and ladies, much appreciated.
Hi Stu, been going for ten years, this was the first time we could see them so near and get pictures. I missed the mating shots as that 600 weighs a ton hand-holding, so while I was battling the electric window, the chance passed right in front of my nose!:(

[arash_hazeghi]

This is a very beautiful shot, love the SH of the duo, and the perch is very nice too. Sky color is pure but a bit oversaturated I would tone it done a bit. TFS