Male American Kestrel perched on an interpretive sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
At the end of my trip to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on January 6th the last bird I photographed was an adult male American Kestrel. When I first saw him he was on a fence post. He lifted off from there and landed on a vault toilet exhaust pipe. I didn’t want to photograph the male kestrel on the toilet pipe so I pulled into the parking area to get ready to head home and as I started to turn off my Jeep he flew and landed on a nearby interpretive sign.
I decided to take a few images of the brightly colored kestrel on the sign. I appreciated the great view of the small falcon’s face and eye and the view of his colorful back side in this photo. I was delighted to be able to take a nice series of images of the male falcon before he flew off to hunt for prey in a field to the north.
American Kestrels aren’t symbols of our country but with their red, white, and blue plumage they certainly could be. They are North America’s smallest falcon. Their small size is deceptive though because these falcons are fierce and they enchant me.
One of the reasons I wanted to photograph birds originally was so that I would have reference photos of them for paintings. American Kestrels were one of the avian subjects that I wanted to paint the most. I had no idea that I would become so obsessed with bird photography that it would surpass my desire to paint them. My paints dried up in their tubes and my brushes haven’t been out of their wooden box in decades because I prefer photographing birds to painting them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Gorgeous photo Mia
Wonderful shot! They must be on the move, I have seen three postings of photos from this area with kestrels as the stars, but yours, of course, is the best.
Great shot! I love how you captured the Kestrels eye and the vivid colors and detail are exquisite. Thanks Mia.
You gave us a delightful opportunity to see the Kestrel sitting still for a moment! Thanks!
We had a pair nest in a Pileated Woodpecker’s old nest hole near our house 2 summers ago. They
provided many, many fleeting views, and much information about raising their family. Unfortunately,
that summer we paid for their company by being abandoned by most of the usual nesters!
Yes, I understand the painting theory, my paints have not been touched in 4 years except to give them away.
Amazing colours with each feather perfectly defined.
Thanks for sharing
Wow!!!