Nankeen Kestrel Part 2 (Up Close & Personal)

Following on from my first outing with this Nankeen Kestrel, which can be seen here - - I returned yesterday, what with there being a break in the weather, to try to get him bathed in morning light. I turned up just after 8am and waited, and waited...over four hours later he appeared (so morning light gone, but I was thinking he wasn't going to appear at all and, in the meantime, I had dolphins and a seal swim on by, which was nice).

Anyhow, got a fair few more shots of him in the air...then I followed him around trying to get closer in to get a portrait of him. He ran me ragged initially (people were looking on in amusement as I hobbled to and thro up and down steep slopes on crutches with a 500 hanging from my neck) then he decided, having run me around, he would play ball, and with that he landed right in front of me.

I still think birds can spot a camera a mile off and often decide to have a bit of fun, and no one will convince me otherwise.

Anyhow, that's the spiel sorted, so here are a few images from my second outing with him. Feedback welcomed and appreciated. I hope you like them.

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WW...Those are all museum pieces, the lot!...Especially love #2...Guess it was worth the wait and all the trouble then?...I think so!!

very nice set Andrew

Why so close? Predators. They do the world a favour by taking out the old and weak.

And there's you, doing your best lame duck routine...

WOW Those are incredible shots each one is a wall hanger!! Well done Sir.

Brilliant again!

Fantastic shots!

You are leading a charmed life, my friend, crutches notwithstanding. These series of kestrel photos have an ethereal quality about them that I've seldom seen. Great photography and great processing. Simply outstanding.
Al

Another outstanding series. Your hard work paid off. You were disappointed about missing the morning light. But the light in these is really good. I think it has to do with it being winter down under. The sun doesn't get as high. I love our winter light, too. #2 is my favorite.
Rex

Excellent series, I'm not even going to try and name a favourite because that would do injustice to the others.

WOW Those are incredible shots each one is a wall hanger!! Well done Sir.

Stunning!

Thank you all so much for the comments, really, really appreciated. I am genuinely thrilled you like them and bowled over by the comments have been left, not least due to the fact that I know the work of many of you and hold it in extremely high regard.

A BIG thanks to each and every one of you.

Holy chicken biscuits Batman, these are sweet. Especially love the crisp detail of number 2.

Superb shots Andrew, stunning portrait and IF shots. Thanks for sharing these