Common Kestrel - Hunting on a beautiful fall day

[March411]

R5 - RF200-800mm

R5 - 200-800mm 1/640 - ISO 200 @ f9

[p4pictures]

Great capture of the harsh reality of nature.

[March411]

Appreciated Brian. The day I captured that image we had a Redtail and a Bald Eagle in flight within the same hour. I was able to grab a couple frames of the Eagle but the quality was poor due to it's soaring height. The Redtail stayed behind branches so it alluded me. It was a strange hour with so many birds of prey around at the same time.

[p4pictures]

I was fortunate to see a Kestrel at close quarters last week while out on a walk. I had just rounded the corner of a hedge and the Kestrel was on the ground covering prey that it had just caught. I gave it a wide berth and walked by. I'm not sure who was most surprised me or the Kestrel to be honest.

Also in my area we have a lot of Red Kites (Milvus Milvus) they were originally native to the region but wiped out many years ago. Then some 30 years ago they were reintroduced - now protected - and have thrived. I can usually hear them calling from my back yard.

[March411]

The Red Kites (Milvus Mills, I looked them up) are beautiful birds, the underside of their wings are incredible. You are fortunate to have them in your country.