Kestrel with Vole

I recently made a trip to the Salt Lake City area with intentions of photographing raptors. Subjects were generally tough to find this year compared to last year, but a single bird made the whole trip worthwhile. I spent a lot of time with this female American Kestrel one afternoon, highlighted by a 20 minute span where I watched her catch a vole, then photographed the entire sequence where she ate it. This shot is the first bite.

Getting to experience and photograph this entire event was probably the coolest single experience I've had in my 5 years of bird photography.

I appreciate your critiques and comments. Please view the larger version if possible.

Crop to 65% of original (11.7 of 18MP)

f/8, 1/640, ISO 400

Canon 7D, 500mm + 1.4x TC, shot with a Mia McPherson-made noodle from my vehicle window.

Thanks go to Mia McPherson and Ron Dudley not merely for introducing me to the location where I found this bird, but especially for all the inspiration their photography has given me over the years. They are among the bird photographers whose artistry and skill I aspire to, and I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality, encouragement, and inspiration. Thank you!