I posted a picture of an owl a few days ago that I was just lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph. I was shooting hummingbirds when the owl literally just flew up and landed in front of me. This is another of those "lucky" shots. I was in a photo blind in SE Arizona shooting songbirds at a seed feeder. In an instant they disappeared and this guy showed up. He did not see me in the blind and I was able to shoot many photos and even change lenses. This bird, American Kestrel, has been difficult for me. Certainly not rare, but usually skittish and often sitting on a power pole or on an electrical line. Not the best setting. Although this perch is not perfect, it is certainly better than anything I have been able to capture in the past.

Would love to see one in the wild. Sweet shot.

I've gotten some mediocre shots of them before but nothing like yours. Very nice!

Very nice image!

I see Kestrals all the time around here but usually up high on power lines or hundreds of yards off hunting over sagebrush. I'd love to have one come down and perch in front of me. Great reminder that you just have to get out there for unusual stuff like this to happen. Nice job.

Lucky guy and great shot!! Congrats!

Great shot. Beautiful bird. The only shots of this bird are from far away and highly cropped. Very nice.

nice, more time you put in the luckier you get

Thanks to everyone for their kudos. I absolutely agree-the more time you spend behind your camera, the "luckier" you get. Some famous photographer (I forget who) said the key to a great shot is "F/8.0 and be there". Be prepared, but if you are not "there", your preparation is for naught.

bajadreamer said:

I posted a picture of an owl a few days ago that I was just lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph. I was shooting hummingbirds when the owl literally just flew up and landed in front of me. This is another of those "lucky" shots. I was in a photo blind in SE Arizona shooting songbirds at a seed feeder. In an instant they disappeared and this guy showed up. He did not see me in the blind and I was able to shoot many photos and even change lenses. This bird, American Kestrel, has been difficult for me. Certainly not rare, but usually skittish and often sitting on a power pole or on an electrical line. Not the best setting. Although this perch is not perfect, it is certainly better than anything I have been able to capture in the past. View attachment 721

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Beautiful animal! Nice shot.

Nice one!

Sweet! Love those birds and love that shot!

Great opportunity to get a fine image of a beautiful bird. I was fortunate to get within range of one last summer, but mine were a dot compared to yours.

Nice - I think I need to start hangin out with you!! Get some of that luck!

Steve said:

Nice - I think I need to start hangin out with you!! Get some of that luck!

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Any time. I will come to you. Maybe meet in Texas or ? Do you do workshops?

Not so tough when they nest in your backyard... I got the one of the babies being fed from my kitchen window and the other close to the raptor perch I put up for them. The female was a lot tamer than the male as far as me approaching them.

Beautiful image

good catch!

Karl said:

Not so tough when they nest in your backyard... I got the one of the babies being fed from my kitchen window and the other close to the raptor perch I put up for them. The female was a lot tamer than the male as far as me approaching them. View attachment 900View attachment 899

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Great opportunity!

Nice photo!

Beaut and colourful raptor\!

Great photo! You captured the Beaty of this birds colors. He was in full display that day.