For the New Year I’ve decided to resurrect my “Just A Shot That I Like” feature. For some reason I stopped using it and I’m not really sure why. There are times when I want to post just a single image and this feature seems ideal for those situations.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Two days ago I found this handsome male American Kestrel posing on rabbitbrush just as the sun was coming up over the mountains. I like the warm, early morning light and the pose.
Best wishes and a happy and prosperous New Year to you all!
Ron
Exquisite. I’m very fond of these gorgeous, colorful, spunky little raptors!
Great image, Ron. If you’ll allow me a little bit of a stretch, it’s also very appropriate for January 1st. Janus, the god of the New Year and for whom January is named, was always depicted looking both backward and forward. This bird is looking backward with his real eyes and forward with his false eyes, or ocelli. As I said, it’s sort of a stretch, but…
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Dick
That’s not a stretch for me in the least, Dick. Neat observation, and very timely for New Year’s Day!
I’ve always liked its small beak with large eyes, it has gorgeous plumage too. This is also a good front view.
I like that combination too, Maria.
Oh, m’gosh, what a beautiful shot. I love those little, feisty cuties.
Thanks, Bob. Yep, they are beauties and “feisty” is their middle name.
The warmth of colour in the Kestrel is stunningly beautiful (and I love the dalmation effect on his breast feathers). Thank you.
I’ve never heard those spots referred to as the “dalmation effect” but it certainly fits, Elephant’s Child.
Beautiful shot! I’m amazed you got that close.
Scott, Sometimes when it’s quite cold early in the morning these skittish little falcons are “stickier” than usual.