Snow-covered rabbitbrush is a perch I wish birds would use more often. Its seed heads often stay yellow until winter and when it’s covered with snow I think it makes an attractive and interesting setting for most any bird. But when the subject is a colorful male American Kestrel the combination can be particularly striking.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I found this one along the Antelope Island causeway as I was leaving the island and he was just cold enough to be reluctant to fly off as I approached. He was fluffed up and snuggled down into the rabbitbrush so he didn’t want to leave his comfy perch as he warmed up in the sun.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But I don’t think he was particularly happy with my presence because he spent much of his time glaring at me like this.
I’m a little surprised (and frustrated) that I don’t find birds on rabbitbrush more often. It’s a common plant in many areas I frequent, it’s often the most elevated perch available and at this time of year it’s loaded with seeds but the only species I see feeding on them regularly is the White-crowned Sparrow. This kestrel was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
As promised (threatened…) I’ve been posting a fair number of older images this week while I’m mostly stuck at home during my remodeling project and these images are also from my archives. But the remodel is progressing nicely and if the weather continues to cooperate (no snow) it should be completed very soon. Then I can get back to my regular shooting routine.
If the sun ever comes out…
Ron
PS – What a pain in the butt this text has been to type! Last night, like the klutz I can be at times, I cut the tip of my left little finger to the bone with a recently sharpened knife while I was slicing a ham for dinner so this morning it’s incredibly sensitive and sore. Every time I’ve had to type an “A” it’s been painful or cumbersome or both. I’m definitely impressed by how many “A’s” are used in the English language!
Oh well, at least it wasn’t my shutter-button finger…
Great shots! That little kestrel sure looks mad at you…
Ron, I adore your photography. Your images and narratives have taught me so much. Your photos of the little Kestrel are stunning. Their expressions and demeanor say it all! By the way, I happen to know Laura Culley and her little diva Kestrel. I can personally attest to her description of her little princess! A diva she is, but we make sure we never say the word “little” around her. I live in western Mass and in years past I always enjoyed seeing the Kestrels perched along the electric lines that edge the meadows. I would see a half dozen on a half mile stretch. I haven’t seen any in the past 15 years. No changes to the topography. The fields, pastures and farmlands are still there as are the woods. I suspect pesticides. I miss them so. Thank you for all you do, Sybby
Kestrels are just the most beautiful of raptors. These pics are wonderfully clear. I did a Audubon Society survey for a few years on the kestrel population on the Columbia River’s Sauvie Island. I actually got to hold one, when the biologist was training me was also banding that darling little guy. We made eye contact and I can still feel his little warm body in my hand. Speaking of hands, I am so sorry about your pinky and hope it heals very soon.
Thanks, Barbara. The finger’s actually feeling a little better already. Methinks I complained too much.
Yep, that’s stink eye! His Majesty was displeased and annoyed at your presence and you were dismissed. If stink eye could kill–well, let’s just say we’re really lucky that it can’t…LOL! Heavens but I love Kestrels, even Ms. Evil Princess. They’re about 100 grams of I’ll take you down–don’t MAKE me go there! They’re incredible powerhouses and (here we go again) just beautiful. I often look at their plumage and exclaim, “How do you DO that?” And they do that and so many other things effortlessly. Magic I tell you!
I agree completely about the rabbitbrush (wonder how that got named…hmmm?!). Wonder why it’s not a favorite mealtime gathering? It must not be tasty/nutritious for them? Just a wild guess.
Sorry about your finger. I try to separate my fingers with my game shears at least once a year, so I get that. Hope it heals rapidly!
Laura, I’m not sure how rabbitbrush was named. Rabbits don’t eat it but I’ve seen one reference that suggests the name originated from the fact that rabbits often use it for cover. But who knows…
PS: I hope the renovation work is soon OVER. And that you are pleased with it.
So far it looks very good, EC. I’m quite pleased with it.
Love the kestrel and its perch.
And know, only too well, have often we ‘have’ to use an injured body part. I am glad that it wasn’t your shutter-button finger.
I can’t tell you how often I accidentally bump the end of the cut finger, EC. Really gets my attention…
Those pictures are true treasures! The Kestrel is one of my favorites, and I have never been able to get a decent shot. Those two are special, very touching. I see it as being a little pixie. Take care of the shutter button finger!!
Jane, Kestrels are typically very difficult to approach so you aren’t the only photographer who has been stymied by them. Thank you.
Kestrel shots are great, he wasn’t going to leave that perch regardless!
My mother used to say that getting old is NOT for sissies!!
We have snow and ice here and I went down on my back cleaning off my truck. I’ve done that twice and at 80 it is no fun!!
Take care of your finger and toe!
And, Have a great and Happy Christmas and New Year!!
Dang, be CAREFUL, Dick! Falls like that scare the heck out of me.
The main reason I decided to have my house sided instead of painting it again is fear of falling off a ladder or scaffold at my age. I’m just getting too damned old for that kind of tomfoolery…
Sometimes we NEVER grow up! I got a good talking to from my better half!
You know I think I’m being careful, but just one step wrong and down we go. Glad I was only carrying a scraper and not my camera!!
Love your pictures!! And yes love rabbitbrush it grows in my yard and all the little birds hide in it when predators come around when they don’t make it to my brush pile !!! It’s a great prop not to mention nice looking in my yard which is natural weeds and all
Marina, your yard sounds perfect for both birds and bird photographers. I’m jealous.
Seeing an American Kestrel first thing in the morning made me smile, as it always does. I never get tired of looking at them. I feel for you about the finger. I recently did about the same thing to my right little finger and when that was really tender I had a hard time logging on to my computer, not to mention other typing. Hope the snow holds off for yo.
Susan, so far so good on the snow. As I (carefully and painfully) type this I hear hammers, drills and scaffolding being moved so those three guys are hard at work for the time being (I’ve had to move pictures off the walls so they don’t come crashing down).
I think the snow is supposed to hold off until Saturday and I’m hoping they’ll be done before then.
WOW, Ron!! Kestrels are such beautiful, colorful birds and you have shared 2 terrific captures with us!! Like several of your followers, I especially love the 2nd shot where it’s giving you the evil eye!! Boy, I could feel the pain in my own finger as I read about your mishap – NOT FUN!! I used to be an 8 finger typist but now just do the 2 finger peck like my Dad used to do. I also thoroughly enjoyed your conversations with Roger and Frank about what made you choose Canon or Nikon equipment. I’m a Nikon girl with a Sigma 18-55 wide angle and a Nikon 70 to 300 telephoto lens. I’m pure armature and went with the Nikon because it was (at that time) the first choice of professionals and the person in the camera store said all the other camera makers were using a lot of plastic which were less sturdy. I wish I would have had access to the above conversation back then – LOL!! I do love learning from you and the other followers who are pros!!
Jo Ann, Mia is a “2 finger pecker” and I think she types faster than I do, which has always impressed me.
Bottom line…. If I was starting out new today, I would probably go with Canon Pro Bodies, and lenses.
The image quality of pro Canon lenses is without equal, and can be used with the latest Teleconverters
while maintaining image quality, better, I think than Nikon. Focus speed, and accuracy may go to Nikon,
or so some believe. I still maintain that the main factor in this game is to have fun, and we can do that
with both systems. ;-)))
Agreed about having fun. And there’s no question that in the right hands both systems produce excellent images.
Argh! I love sharpened knives and have many wounds, although have never cut to the bone! Argh! The kestrel pics are amazing… what an incredibly fierce creature in a small package
Nicole, I do a lot of cooking and sharp knives are essential for me – at least until I cut off so many fingers that I can no longer slice and chop…
I had Nikon in the film days, but when I finally decided to go to Digital, Canon had the only full frame sensor on the market, the 5D. Bought glass, Lseries, to go along with it. Once the I made the investment in glass, I never looked back. 5 bodies later, 5D, 6D, 7DII, 1DX, and now 5DIV, I still have the original glass, plus more. PS, the 5DIV is pretty amazing.
You’re absolutely right, Frank – once you’ve invested in quality lenses you’re pretty much locked into a system unless you’re a hulluva lot wealthier than I am!
Interesting… the “why” for the switch in gear by each of you would make an interesting story…
Sometime, when you have the time… I think a lot of your faithful followers would enjoy hearing
the reasons for your final choices… I know I would. Just a thought.. ;-)))
Roger, there are many reasons I chose Canon – among them the fact that for many, many years high-end Nikon lenses were almost impossible to get. At times the wait for one was significantly over a year and I thought that was inexcusable. And to make matters worse comparable pro-level Nikon lenses were almost a third more expensive than Canon lenses of similar quality.
Fluffy bird, fluffy perch…go together well….sorry about finger…”learened” touch-typing years agp…now use one instead of 8…and it shows….
Thanks, Patty. I’ll survive the finger but it sure is inconvenient.
We are of a common mind, and that is why I primarily use my Nikon gear when the action
might be fast, and the Canon when there is no chance of “a need for speed.” I started
using Nikon in 1965, have more than enough Nikon gear, and see no pressing need to
change at this late date in my life. I totally agree with all that you have said, and feel the
same as you do. Why I have “two systems” is a long story, and of no importance here.
One last comment for today… Words of wisdom from my late aunt Bertha.. “Roger if
you have your health, you have everything.” Words spoken to me over 40 years ago,
and today they have far more impact than they did when I first heard them…. ;-)))
Roger, it’s ironic that when Mia and I began photography in the film days many years ago (before we knew each other) she was shooting Canon and all my gear was Nikon. In the digital age we both switched to the other system.
Out here in the high desert of S. California, lots of Rabbit Brush and lots of white crowned sparrows. I would love to come across a Kestrel. I have yet to get close enough to one to get even a semblance of a decent photo. These are exceptional and the Rabbit Brush makes for a nice composition. I especially like the 2nd one.
There are twenty-two (22) “a”s in this response. I had to count them several times to confirm.
Thanks for the post.
Frank, I actually considered counting the “a”s in my post but I hadn’t yet had enough coffee for that form of higher math… 🙂
Beautiful! The rabbit brush really show of the Kestrel even when glaring at you. 🙂 It would be a great perch for other birds. OUCH! Could have been worse for sure! 🙂 Glad the new windows are a hit.
Thanks, Judy. It’s amazing how few images I have of birds perched on rabbitbrush, considering how much of it there is around here.
Thanks Ron for the info on the “older vs newer Canon gear.” I’m primarily a “Nikon man,” but also have a Mark II, and the Canon 100-400mm IS II lens.
I meet many folks in the field that see me using two different systems, and ask why. Others ask which I think is “better.” I try always to be accurate
with the information in my reply… for some tasks I prefer the Canon, and for others I go to the Nikon… The desirability of getting “older models, and
used gear” usually enters the conversations… Now I have confirmation on several of my opinions. Thanks. Sorry to hear about the toe. I winced
when I read your words, and wish you a speedy recovery, on both fronts. At all cost, protect that “trigger finger.” ;-)))
Roger, I’ve never used two “systems” simultaneously but if I did I suspect the major disadvantage of doing it (for me) would be having to adjust to two very different sets of operating controls and buttons. I shoot using “muscle memory” and I think it would slow me down considerably…
Beautiful Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Ron, I look at these two images, and to me, they look great, even though they were taken with your “first version” Canon gear….
Do you think you’ve seen a significant improvement in the quality of your images by switching to the latest models of body,
and lens? From where I’m sitting, images from both versions look just great, which once again proves the old adage that
“it is the skill of the person behind the camera that makes great images, not the gear itself,” Best wishes on the fast recovery
of that little finger… I too know what an injury, even a small one, can do to ones normal routine… Two weeks ago I injured my
left foot, and now hobble around like an old cripple, and can’t get into the field as much as before. Have a great holiday… ;-)))
Roger, The image quality of my old 500 was very nearly as good as it is in the new one. The major advantages of the newer model are significantly lighter weight and a little faster focusing.
And my older 7D had great IQ too. But the Mark II has more advanced AF tracking and a faster burst rate. I love that faster burst rate!
Good luck with your foot! I also may have broken a toe last night so I’m hobbling too. Two digits down, only 18 left to go…
The Kestrel is gorgeous, as is the setting. He is definitely “lookin’ daggers” at you in that 2nd shot.
So sorry to hear about your mishap and glad it wasn’t more serious. As we say in the dog training world, “Heal!” 😉
Thanks for the healing wishes, Marty. And “lookin’ daggers” says it perfectly!
Such ‘cool’ images of this fabulous bird. Sorry about your pinky. Hope it heals fast. How are you liking the new windows?
I LOVE the new windows, Kathy, with one exception. The manufacturer made a mistake on one of them so it will have to be replaced.