Kestrel sighted

By Paul Cecil | Published June 14, 2008

No, not the new and improved version of the Opera Browser launched yesterday, but a kestrel of the feathered variety.

I decided to explore a different route today, which took me out to some playing fields.

There were numerous rabbits about enjoying the sunshine.

But it was some movement overhead that really caught my eye. A kestrel was sweeping the field. My first set of shots were into the light (and have been quickly discarded), but it turned so that the sun was behind me and I was able to get a number of usable shots.

More birds from today in the June Birds album, including this closing shot of a robin. The shot was taken under thick foliage, handheld and without flash. The shutter speed was a miserable 1/50s and the lens was at 400mm. It's a good example of just how effective the image stabilization in lenses can be.

Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens

This entry was posted in Bird of Prey, Birds, Landscape, rabbit, South Downs National Park and tagged , , , .

13 Comments

  1. Vulpes vulpes June 14, 2008 at 2:06 am #

    :eyes:

  2. ellinidata June 14, 2008 at 2:06 am #

    what a perfect timing for this post!!! :yes:

    beautiful pictures Words,
    as always you make us feel special by sharing!
    Thank you!

  3. gdare June 14, 2008 at 6:06 am #

    First photo of kesterl is excellent, it shows its elegancy and skill in manouvering.

  4. SittingFox June 14, 2008 at 12:06 pm #

    They are beautiful birds. What it must be like to have such dexterity in the air – amazing 🙂

  5. zetorres June 14, 2008 at 12:06 pm #

    I really like birds and rabbits, but the field in the post that is amazing! :):)

  6. cakkleberrylane June 14, 2008 at 10:06 pm #

    Excellent shots! The kestrel is so beautiful!

  7. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    Angeliki, thanks. Yes the timing was good wasn't it. 😉

  8. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    ZT, thanks. It's only a five minute walk from my office, but I usually go in the other direction. It was nice though.

  9. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    Thanks Lois!

  10. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    Adele, I love the hover. They seem to have small 'spoliers' on the front of the wing, which I presume must help them maintain position. I noticed them today in this shot.

  11. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    Vulpes, :whistle:

  12. Words June 14, 2008 at 11:06 pm #

    Darko, thanks. they're amazing in the air. I was watching more of them today.

  13. zetorres June 16, 2008 at 12:06 pm #

    In only five minutes you made all this great photos! You are really fast with your finger in the camera! :lol::lol: