I spent a few moments photographing a gorgeous female American Kestrel on a tree top yesterday morning at Farmington Bay WMA. The light was variable due to clouds overhead and the sunlight passing through them.
Female American Kestrel on a tree top – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When I found the female kestrel from a distance I wasn’t sure that she would stick around when I drove my Jeep towards where she was perched. I am glad that she did. I was able to take a long series of images of her.
Tree top American Kestrel female – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The female American Kestrel’s warm colors contrasted nicely from the blue winter sky. She seemed to be resting and not in hunting mode even though she looked around frequently.
Saucy looking female American Kestrel – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I thought the kestrel looked saucy in this photo. Tiny but fierce and in complete control of herself and her small section of the world. American Kestrels are one of my favorite birds to have in my viewfinder.
Female American Kestrel gazing off into the distance – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Not long after I took this photo a flock of European Starlings flew into the area and landed on another nearby tree. The female kestrel took off and flew in their direction. I drove my Jeep towards her but she had flown off before I could get to that tree.
At that point in time I thought the female kestrel might be the only close up bird that I’d photograph yesterday. There weren’t all that many birds at Farmington Bay. Eventually I did find three more birds in my viewfinder which I will share soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m also a big Kestrel fan. The first thing that struck me was the incredible eye contact in every pic. The colors and detail, as always, simply spectacular. Thanks Mia.
She is gorgeous – I am glad that she brightened your day. And mine.
It hasn’t been very birdy. A couple of great blue herons, one white faced ibis. What gulls and ducks are far out in the bay. There are quite a few harriers and red tails. I think they have been chased by enough photographers they keep their distance. Mostly there are the worst pot holes! Part of the road was planed in between my 2 trips in a week but only a very short section.
April, those potholes are freaking awful and jarring!
A patient Kestrel! Wow!
These have to be some of the very best Kestrel shots I’ve seen in a long time! One of my favorite birds!!
Especially love the Kestrel sitting atop a little mound of snow.—Jeri S.
They have to be one of my favourite birds. Gorgeous & feisty.