Female American Kestrel on a frosty winter morn – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or set up
The weather has taken a turn here in Utah lately with monsoons heading up from the south bringing much needed moisture and the temperatures have dropped some. Today is supposed to be windy but tomorrow might bring a bit of a surprise… snow in the high country! That is a little strange for August.
The forecast made me think of fall and winter, how the scenery changes and of the many birds I will see after fall migration is over. American Kestrels are year round residents in Utah and when the cold sets in they are less skittish and will allow closer approaches. Just after the new year in 2010 I was delighted to photograph this female American Kestrel on a frosty perch with the snow-covered Wasatch Mountains in the background. The male kestrels may be more colorful but I think the delicate colors of the females are equally appealing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful image and chilly weather in store, with temps well below normal (at least 10 degrees lower) Sat/Sun, but back in the 80s next week. Crazy for August in Utah.
what a beautiful, delicate delight!!!! I adore this one!!!! There’s something infinitely sweet about the colors, the light and the expression!!!! I love this one!!!
Fluffy ball! Beautiful picture 🙂
She is truly beautiful. Not an exponent of truth in advertising because she looks to be a soft and fluffy charmer, but beautiful just the same.
Thank you Mia.
Superb image of one of the most beautiful birds in creation!
Just gorgeous, Mia. 🙂
They just look delicate in general I think. And lovely! We are in for highs of what our low temps usually are but ready to welcome some moisture to dowse the fires.
Very pretty shot..
Gorgeous image!
Gorgeous shot!
What an incredibly beautiful image! A great way to start the day…love rhe contrast between the warm softness of the fluffed up bird and the cold spikey frost crystals….beautiful pose….