Male American Kestrel fluffed up on a cold Utah morning – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/125, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
While working on my new photo galleries I came across this image of a male American Kestrel fluffed up on a cold Utah morning taken back in the winter of 2010. I have quite images of kestrels photographed on this perch at Farmington Bay WMA but it fell down some time ago. I miss that perch!
The one problem with that perch was that it was east of the road and getting decent images meant being south of the perch to take images so the birds wouldn’t be totally back lit but even being south of the perch meant the subject would be at least side lit. The blue in the background is actually the shaded western slope of the Wasatch Mountains photographed through a heavy fog that was rising from one of the water units at the WMA.
I adore American Kestrels and will photograph them whenever I can. American Kestrels might be North America’s smallest falcon but they make up for their size by having big attitudes! This one was taking a break from hunting and warming up in the rays of the rising sun.
The weather here has been tormenting me because of clouds and crappy light. Maybe, just maybe I will be able to get back out into the field on Saturday. I hope so because my bird photography addiction needs to be fed.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Stunning Mia! Love the light portrait!
I’ve always loved that perch and I miss it too. Beautiful kestrel image Mia.
Gorgeous image, Mia, though it makes me feel cold! They are such beautiful birds! How I love that place!
He looks very regal, like King Henry VIII. A very chilly November after such a warm October (which broke the record). Should be an interesting winter with the promised El Niño.
MIA, I LOVE IT…!!! ;-)))
I hope you can feed your addiction. And ours.
Love this shot.
A beautiful portrait of one of my all-time favorite birds. Their attitudes and personalities are definitely outsize for what they are physically, and that’s what makes them so much fun to be around. I’m always happy to see them.
A beautiful portrait o one of my all-time favorite birds. Their attitudes and personalities are definitely outsize for what they are physically, and that’s what makes them so much fun to be around. I’m always happy to see them.
How can you describe such beauty? Pure perfection. Thank you, Mia.
Boy! Is that ever one cute bird!!! Right on down to the tiny toes….love the sivery, weathered perch, too! Makes me happy just to look at it…A great way to start the day…..Thanks!(don’t you dare say, “Thank you for thanking me”….)
I love kestrels as well…..they are just so beautiful…..both male & female. Great photo.
Beautiful photo Mia. He was maybe showing off for the ladies???