I’m still working on a large series of photos that will document an interesting encounter between “AOM” and another kestrel. It’s my intention to publish that post tomorrow or the next day.
But I’ve decided to post one of those photos today, because it’s so unique and I didn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle of so many other images. It’s one of the most unusual photos I’ve ever taken and personally, I love it.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Obviously, that’s AOM on the left. As he was dismounting the female after mating, he was considerate enough to extend his left leg forward in such a way that gave me the best look I’ve ever had at a band on a wild bird, including the letters stamped on it that were perfectly positioned for viewing.
But it’s the collective postures of both birds that really grabs me. If I photographed birds for another century, I’d probably never get another shot quite like this one.
So I wanted to share the photo all by itself.
Ron
Note: For those who didn’t see yesterday’s post, this photo was taken two days ago on Antelope Island.
Ron, thanks for getting up before the butt-crack of dawn to get out there to catch AOM “in the act,” as it were. Soooo excited for the prospect of babies from this pair! His mate is as gorgeous as he is!
I’d say that a celebratory chocolate donut
is definitely called for!
“I’d say that a celebratory chocolate donut
is definitely called for!”
It’s funny that you mentioned that, Marty. Just a couple of minutes after these kestrels flew off, I took my first bite of exactly that.
Amazing catch. Well done.
That’s a very beautiful and unique photo, Ron. I’m always amazed by your ability to get such great quality on these random action shots. And I really hope you’ll be getting action shots of young kestrels a little later on!
“I’m always amazed by your ability to get such great quality on these random action shots.”
Burst shooting helps with that, Bill. Along with the amazing focusing abilities of the R5, although I’ll take a little bit of the credit too. Thanks for noticing.
Hey, give a guy a break—maybe he’s new at this or, even better, he’s practicing Kestrel Kama Sutra, hoping to impress his lady love with something other than the usual “wham bam thank you ma’am” of the raptor world.
Fantastic photo, and so excited to think it means baby kestrels are coming to an island near you!
“baby kestrels are coming to an island near you!”
That’s what I keep thinking, Chris. And hoping. The island could use some.
As the bird person in my crowd, I am often asked how birds “do it.“ I think I may have to find a way to keep this photo handy as illustration.
Amazing capture. Thanks, Ron! Looking forward to the entire series.
Thanks, Ellen. The many photos I plan to post soon should be an even better illustration of how birds “do it”.
Very exciting – the fact that AOM is still alive, and that he’s got a mate! Your teaser from yesterday continues – looking forward to the full story! Fabulous photos so far.
(thanks for the interesting post the other day, too, about the “comments” process. I’ve wondered how that works.)
Thanks, Carolyn. I’ve still got some of those “pending” older comments to moderate but I’m making progress.
How awkward sex is. It must be a late invention!
Sallie, if I remember correctly, it’s still worth it – awkward or not.
Actually, sexual reproduction is about 2 billion years old so I don’t think we can blame it on that (I know you said that tongue in cheek.)
That is a special photo for many reasons. You have to wonder if the birds who are not banded notice or have any curiosity regarding the bands they see on others? Definitely did not stop them from mating. Over the years here I have seen many banded eagles and have even been involved in the banding of one who was rescued from death. But never has it stopped them from continuing their lives. We have one banded and solar tracked male eagle right now who had mated and now awaiting the female to produce the eggs.
Everett, AOM was banded as a nestling so I suspect he regards the band as just part of himself. Who knows, he might even miss it if it was gone…
WOW! Amazing capture, Ron!
No question it was AOM! One of those “split second” things along with camera keeping focus that makes all the difference……. Coloring in both at that angle would make it deceptive as to who was male/female if not for the action.
Watched a male GHOW drive another male GHOW nearing into the frozen creek bed yesterday morning. “Know” they can be viscious but have never seen any of the action before.
“along with camera keeping focus that makes all the difference”
Judy, as you mentioned, the R5 gets much of the credit for that. Out of the 241 photos I took of these kestrels, I didn’t notice a single one that was even a tiny bit soft.
I’d love to have seen that owl encounter you described.
Way to go Ron! Doing this as long and with dedication as you have, you are bound to get ‘the shot’. You really grabbed the brass ring on this one. Cannot believe how the band on his leg was so perfectly positioned.
And big congrats to AOM and his mate. They make a lovely couple. May they be prolific.
“May they be prolific.”
I’ll second that. Kestrels as a species are in trouble so the more babies the better. Thanks, Michael.
WOW! Perfect timing and perfect shot! Bravo!
Thanks, Burrdoo.
I’ll SAY unique ! I’m tickled for you were able to capture this
“scissors move”. It’s not “luck” for you to have gotten this shot– it’s
in greatest part the result of years of dedication to being there and
READY, no matter the cold, the drive in darkness, and whatever physical pain you’re enduring at that moment–you EARNED this
reward !
Much appreciated, Kris. For this shot, both “cold” and a “drive in the darkness” were involved. But in the excitement of the moment I wasn’t aware of any “physical pain”, if it existed at all.
Remarkable photo Ron (yesterday’s photo as well). I’m happy AOM made your day with his presence and the resulting photos.
Mark, thanks on both counts.