Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

[PeterD]

The Kestrel is a master of the hover. They are often seen over fields watching for potential prey.
There is one particular bird that often appears over Southmoor, on the Langstone Harbour waterfront, I thought I would share some of my images.


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In the classic hover pose with tail feathers fanned out to maintain lift from the downdraft created by the wings being flapped.

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In flight with tail feathers furled.

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Taking off from its fence post perch as I approached. Note that it is still looking at me as it takes off.

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Comments and CC welcome as usual

[Gez]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I prefer the first shot, looks the most natural of the series.Very difficult shooting against the sky when the subject is moving - well done. Gez

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I prefer the first shot, looks the most natural of the series.Very difficult shooting against the sky when the subject is moving - well done. Gez

Thank you Gez. You are right of course, it is very difficult with a bright sky in the background. I have tried spot metering in the past when the subject is stationary but the sky gets totally washed out and is so light as to be unbelievable. I was pleased with this shoot as I used digital esp for metering which seemed to ensure the detail was captured and gave a better lightness balance across the image.

[Pops]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

The first for me as well Peter.
The sky is what a sky should look like and the detail on the kestrel is very sharp

[Stephen]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

The first for me as well Peter.
The sky is what a sky should look like and the detail on the kestrel is very sharp

I'd agree, though I can't really fault any of them

[Pol]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I'm learning something new from you every day, Peter.

I didn't know that about the tail fanning out to maintain the lift when its hovering and furled when flying.

Beautiful examples with superb details.

Pol

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I'm learning something new from you every day, Peter.

I didn't know that about the tail fanning out to maintain the lift when its hovering and furled when flying.

Beautiful examples with superb details.

Pol

Thank you Pol.
I like to spend plenty of time observing behaviour and carry out some research when I cannot reason things out for myself. This completes the fun of taking photographs. The camera is a very powerful learning tool and it is rarely the case where words are not necessary. They provide the context with the image.

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

The first for me as well Peter.
The sky is what a sky should look like and the detail on the kestrel is very sharp

Thank you Pops

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I'd agree, though I can't really fault any of them

Thank you Stephen

[Caz]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I'll follow the crowd (sorry folks) and say that I really like the first image. Excellent detail and it's already been said about the sky too... The third image also intrigued me, so I went off for a shufti at the large version. Beautiful detail on the bird's face and well worth the peek.

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

I'll follow the crowd (sorry folks) and say that I really like the first image. Excellent detail and it's already been said about the sky too... The third image also intrigued me, so I went off for a shufti at the large version. Beautiful detail on the bird's face and well worth the peek.

Thank you for your kind comments. I have not forgotten that I have promised more on the Oysterbeds but I am tied up with site changes at the moment - but it should not be too long a wait.

[Garry]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

That's odd. Thought I'd commented on these!
Hi Peter

I agree with everyone else.
The first photo is very good

The area that you took these photos is near where I live.

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

That's odd. Thought I'd commented on these!
Hi Peter

I agree with everyone else.
The first photo is very good

The area that you took these photos is near where I live.

Thank you Garry. Yes, this area is not far from the West Sussex/Hampshire border. Langstone and Chichester Harbours are real gems. They have stayed that way mainly because there is not too much develoment around - but for how long.........?

[Garry]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Hi PeterD
Do you ever come to Pagham Harbour?

[PeterD]

Re: Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Hi PeterD
Do you ever come to Pagham Harbour?

No Gary, I have not. Could you tell me little about it as I am very interested in new sites.