American Kestrel

now I KOW I have to go to Argentinia Nate, because I have the same problem...I can't get near a Kestrel to save my life!!! great head turn, natural colors, detail, etc... no nits here

These are such beautifully colored/patterned birds Nate, like everything about this image.
I've yet to get my shot of this bird here..I see them sometimes as I drive down our rural roads working the power lines. I've gone after em' but I've yet to get close enough..Bet ya haven't heard that before? ;-)
Anyway, this looks excellent, would not change a thing

Well this must be a record for the furthest birding trip for a single species. Image quality looks very good Nate. The grey background was made for his coloration, perfect match. I do find that the perch in the lower right is attractive in that it is all gnarly and bent but somehow I wish that it wasn't truncated in the lrc as it is. I'm sure you looked at alternatives very carefully though. This interesting photo has me thinking I should go to my favorite Kestrel spot to see if they are hanging around today (not Argentina), inspirational photo. Hey, just noticed this is my 10,000 th comment, where have the last 6 1/2 years gone?

A very nice comp Nate. I love the detail and sharpness in the larger version. Nice windblown look too. Soft light is really great.

Classic kestral pose, Nate. Wonderful light and a nice headturn. I too think having the entire perch on the lrc would enhance this image.

You gotta love a kestrel that's approachable. You have a terrific perch and a very complimentary head turn. The lighting looks really nice, and in the larger image everything is sharp including the feet. Nice catchlight in the eye Nate. Perfect composition. Looking forward to more images from your Argentina trip Nate.

Very nice Nate. Wish he was a little higher in the frame.

Nate, I love this. Great image of one of my favorite birds (that I have never successfully imaged). Truly a remarkable find.

Lovely species and shot here Nate...I like the head-turn.
Always good to get a species that eludes us

Lovely detail. Nice how absorbed he is in watching something and not the camera. The perch works for me. I might just take a bit off the top.

Wonderful pose and detail...nice soft light and colors. A really nice image! Congrats! Sharon

Beautiful image Nate. Love the soft colors and nice little head turn. They were fun to find down there.
May

You already know I really like this photo Nate. Sweet light, great pose and feather detail. Just wondering how it would look cropped a bit on the left side and if it had more room on the right side, since his body is facing that way.

Ken Archer

Love the soft light and the pose. Great shot.
JohnR

Nice light, nice detail and I like the snaggly looking perch. Wish I could get this close to a kestrel.

Wonderful detail and pose, Nate. The locals are rather skittish!

Very nice detail and good eye contact Nate, I have always had a fondness for these birds and you have an excellent shot, the larger image looks great, well done.