Stooping falcons

These shots were taken at a recent falconry display, I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much in the way of results. These guys move at high speed, well in excess of 100 mph in a dive, and are quite small so trying to focus on them is tricky to say the least. Coupling that with having to pan at quite a rate too, meant I expected very little more than blurs.

These shots are all cropped to a fair degree, I have cloned out the jesses on most shots to give a more natural result. Whilst I realise these shots are a long way from perfect, I am very happy with them considering the subjects speed.

Please feel free to leave comments and critique, I am always interested in the opinion of others (good or bad) it all helps me develop my technique.

1.

that last one is very nice.

what lens?

arizona85224 wrote in post #3180032
that last one is very nice.

what lens?

100-400L

Well Done!!! Hard to get a top shot

Like them all but 2 and 5 are my favorite

Great shots considering the challenge. You don't see pics of them in this position very often. Now I see why.

Great shots. Can't imagine getting even one of those myself.

Great shots, well timed.

Gotta love the last one, but all are excellent!

I agree that #5 is the pick of the litter, but all are great!! --Rick

Sandpiper, I'd be pleased to have any of these in my collection.

I concur. Great shots. They almost look animated.

Rock

these shots are amazing. i don't know how you managed to keep the bird in the viewfinder when it is diving at that speed. wow.

- hung

Awesome shots, the last one is my fav.

Swell shots, but the title threw me off...Stooping Falcons did seem a bit weird! Like really old falcons, falcons with poor posture...

Great captures!