Posted by Scott Smorra on July 14, 2011 at 1:33 PM
I haven't done much bird photography, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity today. I believe this is a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, but if any of you bird experts out there think otherwise, let me know. There were a total of 4 falcons (3 juvenile, 1 adult) I saw together in the park next to our house this morning. I spent 45 minutes following them around and mostly they stayed about 50-100 feet away. For a few moments two of the birds became very interested in what I was doing and flew onto a branch only 10-15 feet away from me. This was close enough for me to get a good shot with my 200mm lens.
All C&C are appreciated.
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Nikkor dx at 200mm, 50% crop in PS.
Posted by Scott Smorra on July 14, 2011 at 5:06 PM
One more...
Posted by David Bostock on July 15, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Scott, great captures. The tail feathers have some sort of optical illusion going on, like they're double exposed or something. Weird. The body, head and eyes are tack sharp. Well done.
I think your Juvenile Perigrine Falcon ID is correct Scott. For a quick spur of the moment capture I think both images are very nice. It appears you captured a bit of tail shake in both images, perhaps a trait with younger birds? Nice work!
Posted by John Williams on July 15, 2011 at 11:23 PM
I'd lean more towards a juvenile accipiter, most likely a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Regardless, these are not easy to get close to so well done!
Posted by Cliff Dodge on July 17, 2011 at 11:00 PM
I like both shots. I think maybe the second one needs just a little more exposure. :)
Discussion
5 repliesAll C&C are appreciated.
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Nikkor dx at 200mm, 50% crop in PS.