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.
Mia
More American Kestrel images
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 ☺