Kestrel

[Mitcon]

Just a couple of shots of our Australian or Nankeen Kestrel, in one image you can get an idea of what a mouse would see if it could look up lol.
http://www.mitconphotographics.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/L_350d_007820d.jpg
http://www.mitconphotographics.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/W_30d_005964a.jpg
http://www.mitconphotographics.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/W_30d_007975a.jpg

[kawwauser]

three outstanding pics but how did you manage the third one? did you have some kind of bait?

[Jim Victory]

Awesome!

That last one says it all!

Run away, run away!:lol:

[dazzlebea]

Ooops, he's falling out of the sky ;) Incredibly awesome pics Mitcon!

[seanm]

Great action shots Mitcon, great detail!

[Sindri Skulason]

Wow...how do you do it? Amazing in-flight shots once again Wayne. Excellent work as always. :-)

[Epluim]

Yikes! glad I'm not a mouse!

[Lame-Duck]

Love all 3, but that 3rd shot.....WOW.....very nice.

[T.D.]

Absolutely spectacular in-flight shots!!!

They are beautifully sharp.

Way to go!

[pttenn]

Did you have a mouse tied on your head or something??? Wow-what shots!

[Reyno]

Another series of amazing captures Mitcon.

[rathke]

Thank you, amazing. No. 3 is outstanding!:lol:

[ZipDude66]

All good shots Mitcon, awesome action! Is this a wild bird or a captive one?

Zip

[Gary Fairhead]

Wow it looks like you are near something he/she wants and very focused on getting it. 3 great shots and while i love the 3rd for its uniquenous my vote goes to the second image for the wonderful exposure, light and detail on the wings.

[Stephen Stephen]

Beautiful shots as always Wayne.

[cfcRebel]

Amazing series Wayne! How did u get the bird diving towards you? Ok now, tell us what costume you wore.:D

[GyRob]

great set of shots looks like he was heading for You love No1 with the feathers on the wings working with the air over them.
Rob.

[JuZ]

Great shots :)

[Mitcon]

Thanks for all the kind remarks and I'm glad everyone enjoys the images so much. This Kestrel is a rehab bird that is still recovering. So it's kind of a wild bird, kind of not I guess. I have lots more images of it I will share when I get around to it. Did I lure the bird ? No infact I didn't, I just placed myself in a spot I knew it would be going and waited for things to happen.

It's much the same with totally wild birds/animals, study them, get to know the animal and what it does and when and then you will know where it's most likely going to be and when. This will also allow you to interact with them without afecting them and what they do better. It will also lower any impact you may have on the animal/environ.

If you want that perfect shot of a sun set, you know where and when it's going to happen so it's just a matter of being there. Same with a bird/animal, know your animal and where it goes when and be there. Find a water-hole they like, know the time they frequent it, be there before them knowing they will most likely come and just wait for the right moment.

Images caught like this aren't left to chance as much but theres still some luck involved and always needing good timing. But like all things, praxctice makes perfect. Takes a bit of time but you have a far greater chance of getting the shot your after than just walking around hoping.

Just remember, know your subject, keep it low or no impact, take only photos and leave everything as you found it, always take care of yourself and most of all enjoy what you do.

[DaleP]

Damn Mitcon, they're awesome.

I regularly go visiting the wild Nankeen Kestrel that lives near me in the hope I can get it somewhat used to me and then I can get some decent shots. Hopefully I'll get them to be half as decent as these.

[Anthony J Howe]

Great action shots Mitcon, to show the Behaviour of this Kestrel as it makes it's downward flight for it's prey. All done in perfect photographing, well done.

[busbyea]

Astonishing captures.
Love the "LOOK". #2 is my favorite.

[dewmuw]

Brilliant set of images there mate. I am disappointed with you answer to "how did you do it?" though. I was hoping you were goign to say "I lay on the floor and made a noise like a mouse!" :D

[AeroSmith]

Awesome! I like number 2. It really shows how strong this bird is.

[98photo]

Wow, they are all amazing but I think the third shot is by far the best one there! Stunning!!