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Kestrel/Magpie

Discussion

19 replies
Posted by John Robinson on April 9, 2008 at 8:44 AM
Kestrel/Magpie
Kestrel/ Magpie.
This was from a baiting session last year. I've got magies playing with foxes, buzards and crows at bait but this kestrel was a first.
He actually got hold of the tail but missed the shot.
Baited with DOCs ( see the feet) Site baited evry day for three years by the friend I work with. !
D100
Sigma 100-300 mm ( this is where the non moving front of the lens comes in ( internal focus and zoom) The Kestrels would never tolerate lens movement at that distance - about twenty foot .
iso 500.
Contrast dropped in Paint Shop Pro and other minor adjtments.
About 70% of the full frame.Not brilliant photo wise but an interesting behaviour job I thought.
Cheers
JohnR
Posted by jack chapman on April 9, 2008 at 8:51 AM
very very nice, the whole scene is great, could have done with some nicer light but you have to take what comes

out of interest what are DOCs
Posted by John Robinson on April 9, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Thanks !
Sorry Jack - day old chicks.
Cheers
John
Posted by Phillip Tomkinson on April 9, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Wow a very nice image.

Phil.

:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :wavey:
Posted by PhilH on April 9, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Not brilliant no... its blooming fantastic... the look on the Kestrels face makes it and great interaction.

:toast: :toast: :wavey: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Dawn Monrose on April 9, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Wow, great shot! Amazing to see behaviour like that, and super sharp! Captured the blue/green sheen on the magpies wings too! As said the expression on the kestrels face really makes it. For my eyes it could do with a teency bit more contrast as the black on the magpie seems a little grey to me. Great pose, well captured!

Superb! :toast:
Posted by Alan Bryant on April 9, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Cracking image John :toast:
Posted by John Robinson on April 9, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Thanks All.
Tried to beef it up a bit with this re post.
JohnR
Posted by Alan Woolnough on April 9, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Great wildlife shot John, and nicely timed!!

Repost has given it a bit more punch, which suits my eye nicely :toast: :toast:

Alan
Posted by Paul Inglis on April 9, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Hi John,

Awesome capture!
:toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Nick on April 9, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Who won...or what happened next?
Posted by kevin Treadwell on April 9, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Hi John

super super shot

Kevin
Posted by Major Gilbert on April 9, 2008 at 4:39 PM
A rare opportunity to see and capture. Well worth the effort if only as a record. :toast:

Major.
Posted by Barrie Courtenay on April 9, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Love this shot John...brilliant :toast: :toast:
Posted by Robert Lawrence on April 9, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Another fine shot John.

Robert
Posted by John Robinson on April 9, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Thanks for your interest.
Nick
Magie won ! Kestrels are wimps !
We gave up after a couple of years as the maggies took over. Had some great solo shots whilst it lasted though ! Will put some up.
Cheers
johnR
Posted by Nick on April 10, 2008 at 4:32 AM
Magie won ! Kestrels are wimps !


Not so sure of that - I've watched one lose it with a Jackdaw that was mobbing it. The Jackie beat a very hasty retreat with a guided missile in very close pursuit :biggrin:
Posted by Daniel Read on April 10, 2008 at 4:47 AM
Wow, John, your photos keep getting better and better. This is an excellent behavioural shot :toast:

Dan/
Posted by Paula Graham on April 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Superb shot
Posted by eric weight on April 12, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Just a wonderful shot John, thanks for showing it to us.
:toast: :toast: Eric