LUNCH HOUR AT RIDGEFIELD

Discussion

8 replies

Posted by Craig Strand on February 18, 2011 at 5:41 PM

I found this American Kestrel yesterday on his "Lunch Hour" at the Wildlife Refuge. I haven't had a lot of luck getting close to these guys for good shots, even with a big lens. I'm sure the fact that he was just sitting down to eat the vole and didn't want to move was why I got in range for the shot.

Larger image available . . . http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/largephoto.cgi?ref=167127

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L IS USM
F/6.3 1/800 ISO 160
auto window beanbag rest

Posted by David Bostock on February 18, 2011 at 6:37 PM

Craig, this is awesome! I've tried and tried to catch one of these colorful birds. You have a real winner here. And an incredible background too.

Posted by Bruce King on February 18, 2011 at 7:49 PM

Awesome capture Craig, great bg too. The post looks like it's leaning to the left slightly. No big deal but I might straighten it out. Nice work.

Posted by Ryan DesJardins on February 18, 2011 at 9:49 PM

Very nice!!

Posted by Erik Lundh on February 18, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Awesome shot craig. That is one colorful bird!

Posted by Catherine Reilly on February 19, 2011 at 3:46 AM

Oh my goodness, Craig! What a tremendous shot! The color and detail is remarkable. Congrats!

Posted by Marylynne Diggs on February 19, 2011 at 11:12 AM

Beautiful, Craig. We have had a nesting pair of these near our place in Prineville for a couple of years, and try as I might, I can't got closer than about 40yards without them flying to the next tree further off. Great steadiness with the big lens too!!

Posted by Scott Smorra on February 20, 2011 at 2:28 PM

Excellent image Craig. I love the title as well. The patterns and colors on the bird's feathers are beautiful. I'm glad you were finally able to get close to one of these guys.

Posted by wade pettitt on February 21, 2011 at 8:20 PM

Craig, this is beautiful, well done!!