The very large majority of my kestrel photos have been of the male, but today I had rather more success with the larger female. The weather forecast wasn't good, but the sun was bright this morning. Perfect for kestrels, so I headed down to the Sheepcote Valley to look for them. The ground was sodden after all the recent snow and rain, and there were no signs of kestrels hovering. But I know where to look, and it didn't take long to find one of the pairs perching in the small trees.
Female kestrel (left) and male (right)
The male flew off to the far side of the valley and that was the last I saw of him. The female though, proceeded to perch-hop between various vantage points. This seems to be their preferred hunting method when it's cold.
An industrial sized viewing point
I stayed for about an hour, until the clouds started to gather and the meagre warmth of the sun faded with the best of the light. There are some more photos from last few weeks in my Kestrels 2009 album.
The fox was back tonight, but typically evaded the camera again. I'd missed him when I was outside actively watching (though I did disturb two cats), but later on I 'happened' to look out of the window and he was lurking briefly by the pond. He looked quite at ease, and trotted along the path to the rear of the garden. And, no doubt, away through one of the many holes in the fence.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
10 Comments
Beautiful kestrel photos. And nice blue sky 😀
Just beautiful – I especially like the shots of her taking off.
Is something wrong with Opera at the moment? I'm having to click on links about five times to get them to work! :confused:
It happens to me too. Opera started with it last night and it really annoys me at the moment :irked:
Heh. I really thought that this kind of :bug: was past 🙁
Darko, thanks. The blue sky was gone by lunchtime so I'm glad I got out in the morning.
Adele, the take-off was a good moment. I'd locked the focus with the rear button so didn't lose track of her as she took off and moved away from the focusing point. I love that feature on the 40D!
As for MyOpera, it seems better today, but last night was like wading through treacle.
All of them are terrific shots. Getting the male and female together must have been rewarding!
great photos, especially the in flight shots
Lois, I've seen the pair together on previous occasions, but it's always nice to see them perching side by side.
Neil, thanks. I was pleased with those two shots. Good light as well!