American Kestrel

In my experience this is a bird that is hard to get close to and usually doesn't sit around for its picture to be taken.  You have a great shot here with good color and detail.  I like the pose.  

I like the plumage color and detail in this.  I suppose more ideally you would be closer to eye level but then they don't allow you to do that.  I've had the same problem.  What really makes this work better for me is the fact that there is some subtle evidence of cloud in the lower third of the image rather than a completely blue sky.

Nice capture, Richard.  They are hard to capture.  We have had one or two to hang around here for the winter and early spring the last two years, and I have managed to get a few shots of him.  They don't let you get too close, that is for sure.  The first season one was here, he would land on our small maple tree, and once on a stob, and I was able to shoot through the window.  Otherwise, it is like you, shooting way up into a tree, or way off in a distance.  They are beautiful birds, and you did a fine job capturing the color and detail in his feathers.  Love that catch light in his eye as well. 

Good over-the-shoulder pose, Rich. They are common here but I've had zero success with them.

Excellent job getting close enough to one of these to use a 300 mm, Richard.  Lovely detail in the bird and a sweet head turn.  I also like the bit of cloud that adds some variation to the bg.

I like the simplicity of the scene and the typical kestrel pose. Techs look spot on.

Richard: knowing how skittish kestrels are, you pulled off a fine shot. Richard

Hello Richard. Well done to capture Hand Held. I find it very frustrating when the Sky is so bright etc. I finf it difficult to get good exposure on the main subject and detailed. You have done OK getting the bird well exposed!  These little beauties are here but Very elusive.

Bill
www.BillBickle.com