American Kestrel male- Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light not baited
I came across this American Kestrel image yesterday while moving images to a new external hard drive and realized I hadn’t edited any of the photos in the series yet, so I did. This was taken in the winter of 2010.
The light wasn’t the best because it didn’t illuminate the bird’s front as well as I would have liked but some rules are meant to be broken. I like how the falcon is lit from the side and back. The background isn’t sky, it is the snow-covered Wasatch Range that is still partly in the shadows.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
My sincere thanks to everyone who left a comment, I’ve gotten behind on replying.
Hi! Have always loved this bird! We called it a sparrow hawk when I was growing up! Great image and colors! Have a great day.
Beautiful, Mia. Another wall-worthy photo!
What a great portrait. This is one of those centred framed shots that defy all the rules!
Very pretty, Mia!
Awesome, what a beauty, makes my day:)
Another one of your images that starts my day with a smile. very sweet shot.
Mia, I really love the lighting on this bird actually probably better than totally front lit. It helps define the puffy feathers more I think. Great shot!
I’m with you, Mia. Love the effect of the back/side light. It seems to enhance the “softness” of the feathers.
Wow, that is far out, very good Mia.
a wonderfull pose with feathers puffed
very nice shot
good job mia ☺