The Male of the Species.....

Filghty, nervous and a bit faster and more unpredictable than his "other half".

He's actually about two feet behind the post in this shot.

At this size his eyeline looks to be at the camera, but at full rez you can clearly see he's looking at the top of the post - I tried removing the post but it just looks a bit silly, so I've left it in.

Every Kestrel shot I've ever taken before - which isn't many - was of a female, so I was well chuffed to get this.

Techs as previous posting.

Thanks for looking & the great comments on my previous post

Thats better than the first in my view. Position of post etc.
I presume they're baited ?
Great stuff.
JR

Andy

He looks as if he's on a mission, a top class image. You've done this before me thinks.

Cheers John - different post, about 12 foot to the right of the one in the previous post.
They like their bits of pigs heart, so images have to be done quickly before they pick the food up. But the birds do hunt as well as they are not photographed every day, as far as I know so their diet is still varied and they are not 'wedded' to the 'freebies'.

Not with something this small and fast Barry - but it's just an accelerated version of a certain technique that sports photographers use in a particular set of circumstances.

Hi Andy, well I prefer the OP because of the display of wings and the great detail, however having the Kestrel clear of the post and less of it is in view improves the whole concept and shot, so I guess it's a bit of both.

Looks like Vince country?

TFS
Judith

Another cracker Andy

Oscar

A cracker of a shot and not easy to get, kudos. If they eat pigs heart I am guessing they are captive?

Wild birds Neil - see my reply to Johns comment above.

OK cheers Andy!

two great shots Andy. Like Steve, I prefer the pose of the female but the position of the post in this one, but that's being very picky....

Matt

I'll break with tradition and say I like this one the best, the purposeful pose, head flat and level with the wings indicates he means business here which I like. The fanned tail is lovely and the positioning of the bird and composition works well for me.

Thanks for the feedback and comment all

Craig - I like this shot best of all too, and not just because it's the male, though I can't quite put my finger on why

I would be over the moon with either shot but I think this one gets my vote over the first.

Nick.

Well, it's the first of the two to sell on stock so looks like someone else liked it better than the female too!

Thanks Nick