Kestrel sighted

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

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This Post Has 13 Comments

  1. Vulpes vulpes

    14 Jun 2008

    :eyes:

  2. ellinidata

    14 Jun 2008

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

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

  3. gdare

    14 Jun 2008

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

  4. SittingFox

    14 Jun 2008

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

  5. zetorres

    14 Jun 2008

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

  6. cakkleberrylane

    14 Jun 2008

    Excellent shots! The kestrel is so beautiful!

  7. Words

    14 Jun 2008

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

  8. Words

    14 Jun 2008

    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

    14 Jun 2008

    Thanks Lois!

  10. Words

    14 Jun 2008

    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

    14 Jun 2008

    Vulpes, :whistle:

  12. Words

    14 Jun 2008

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

  13. zetorres

    16 Jun 2008

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

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