Male American Kestrel lifting off

By Mia McPherson, on December 16th, 2012



Lift off – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm with 1.4x TC at 328mm, natural light, not baited

There is something about American Kestrels that speaks to me. They might be our smallest falcon in North America but they have big attitudes, fierce characters and are terrific hunters.

Mia

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16 comments to Male American Kestrel lifting off

• Scott (@NESASK)

  December 17, 2012 at 8:12 am · Reply

  I love Kestrels too, and that’s a gorgeous shot Mia.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:44 am · Reply

    Thank you Scott.

• Laurence Butler

  December 16, 2012 at 7:02 pm · Reply

  And they’re GORGEOUS!

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:44 am · Reply

    I agree Laurence!

• Seagullsteve

  December 16, 2012 at 1:56 pm · Reply

  ooh. That’s a winning shot.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:44 am · Reply

    Thanks Steve!

• M. Firpi

  December 16, 2012 at 10:52 am · Reply

  I have always loved their cute little face and this wing stretch is formidable. I also had a fellow poster who saw them in Colorado too.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:43 am · Reply

    Thank you Maria. I see them here quite often though they are more approachable during our cold winters than during the warmer months of the year.

• Sherry in MT

  December 16, 2012 at 9:27 am · Reply

  I too love the kestrels, they are small but so colorful and I love their faces. Amazing shot Mia as always!

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:42 am · Reply

    Thanks Sherry, they are amazing birds. I could easily spend hours with them.

• Carol MATTINGLY

  December 16, 2012 at 7:53 am · Reply

  He’s such a beauty. Have never seen one in real life. Have a great day.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:41 am · Reply

    Carol, I hope that you get to see a kestrel soon. I’m surprised you haven’t already because they can be fairly abundant in some locations. I look for them on poles, power lines, fence posts and road signs. Thanks for your comment.

• Dan Huber

  December 16, 2012 at 6:44 am · Reply

  Amazing shot Mia, I am lucky to be surrounded by these guys in my new spot but I have yet to get them on camera.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:40 am · Reply

    Thank you Dan. I’m sure you will get wonderful images of your kestrels soon!

• Bob Bushell

  December 16, 2012 at 6:05 am · Reply

  Well done Mia, the Kestrel is awe inspiring.

  • Mia McPherson

    December 18, 2012 at 9:39 am · Reply

    Thanks Bob, kestrels are great birds.