Hunting on the Wing.
Male American Kestrel hunting in Western Montgomery County Maryland's Agricultural District.
DSC_3824-4
Male American Kestrel hunting in Western Montgomery County Maryland's Agricultural District.
DSC_3824-4
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DSC_3824-4
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NIKON D750
Aperture f/5.6 ISO 100 Shutter 1/1000 Focal Length 240/10 
Darnestown, Maryland, US
Jun, 2020Views
418
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Awards
Winner in Birdinflight Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
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Behind The Lens
Location
My wife, Maria, and I often cruise the backroads near our suburban home in our little red Mini Cooper enjoying the rolling countryside of Maryland hoping to see some of the wildlife of the area.Time
We headed towards our home as the Sun neared the western horizon.Lighting
The Sun was low in the sky and behind the little falcon illuminating the tail and wings quite well emphasizing the black and white structure of the outstretched wings and the pink of the tail by the light coming through the feathers.Equipment
My Nikkor 200 - 500mm zoom was mounted on my Nikon D750 for this evenings drive.Inspiration
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in the Western Hemisphere. It's very presence inspires nature photographers fortunate enough to come across such a scene.Editing
Upon opening the image in Lightroom, I was disappointed to find the background sky was plain and grey. Remembering a section of sky that I had photographed some time earlier, I decided to use Photoshop to transpose the image of the falcon into that sky. Various adjustments to exposure, contrast, and shadow were applied. I also used the paintbrush in Lightroom to add some light to the underside of the bird to finish the piece.In my camera bag
Lately, I usually have a newly purchased Nikkor 500mm PF mounted on my Nikon D500 when out looking for birds and other wildlife. I also often have my Nikon D750 with a Nikkor 70 - 200mm zoom with me.Feedback
The key to good bird photography is knowledge of your quarry. Learn where they might be feeding or hunting in the area and at what time of day. I find that near Sunrise and Sunset are the best times for light quality. It is when most birds and other animals are most active. Know your equipment and have your settings ready in advance. It helps to have a good zoom or prime lens that will give you at least 500mm worth of reach. Please, remember to respect the lives of the birds and animals that you seek by giving them space and not disturbing their various life processes.
