WIRE, with a Sparrow Hawk on it

[rwenglish1]

I am not sure if I have ever seen one on anything other than a wire.

I have added two more images, the first two posted 12-29-07


The Fight.
http://www.allmounts.com/kestrel_mouse_process.jpg


Allmost dropped.
http://allmounts.com/kestrel_mouse_air_catch_5x7cr_forum.jpg

[canonloader]

HAHA, I have seen one on a stick before, but it was way too far away to get the evidence. Still nice shot. :)

[Sharlotte]

Isn't that a male Kestrel? Maybe not, but I really don't know anything about hawks and falcons.

[dangles]

That is an American kestrel.

[hTr]

That is a Male American Kestrel as said before!!

[tom ryan]

An American Kestrel, the smallest, most numerous, and most widespread Falcon in North America. Good exposure but it looks a bit soft on my monitor. Which lens did you use, what was the shutter speed, handheld or tripod, full frame or large crop? Any other expopsures made of this little falcon?
...tom

[rwenglish1]

An American Kestrel, the smallest, most numerous, and most widespread Falcon in North America. Good exposure but it looks a bit soft on my monitor. Which lens did you use, what was the shutter speed, handheld or tripod, full frame or large crop? Any other expopsures made of this little falcon?
...tom

Hi Tom, I guess I always grew up calling them a Sparrow Hawk, but I have heard them called Kestrel's also, and I have listed it as krestal etc. I will get it right from now on.

SOFT???, lol You did not need to tell me that. I was setting on the right side shoulder of the road, and it was on the wire above the ditch on the oppisite side.

I was using Canon 1D, Canon EF 400mm EF lens I was in my truck, turned off, left elbow on the door elbow rest, right elbow on the steering wheel, the lens was resting on the window edge, I did not roll it all the way down.
I took 189 shots in two different sets, I am disapointed and discouraged in these series of shots. I am at a loss, finally had nice sunny blue sky weather.

I brought it up with Photo shop, at 50% did a 5x7 crop, applied some levels, brightnest/contrast, unsharp mask.

I had a once in a lifetime event and blew it as far as I am concern. Here is another shot, and I have many that would have told of this struggle on the wire.
Thanks for your input and honesty.
rw
1/1000 sec. f/7.1 ISO 100 400mm


http://www.allmounts.com/krestal_mouse_forum.jpg