Getting shots of Kestrels?

BBiggs

Does anyone have tips for getting decent shots of this "elusive" bird. It is really hard to sneak up on these guys. Im using an XTi and 100-400mm. I know about blinds. I'm thinking about getting some camo and finding a active area and just waiting. They seem to always see me coming from far away and get out of the area quick.

kdog

I think the trick with any bird is to avoid eye contact. Don't stare, and don't walk directly toward the bird. You want to kind of meander around in a winding route, slowly working your way in their general direction -- all while appearing unaware that the bird is there. The camo/blind idea is also a good one too. Being hunters themselves, predatory birds are probably the most skittish and leery of being stalked. Although, the few kestrels I've seen didn't appear overly skittish compared to hawks and eagles.

Cheers,
-joel

Giphsub

I hope you don't mind me asking a question in here BBigs.

What kind of blinds and camo gear do you guys use? I have no idea about any of it...

BBiggs

Thanks Kdog! Giphsub, I usally don't use any camo or blinds, but you can use both. A blind can be many things, for example: you in a bush, a portable camo tent that you sit in and wait for the animals with, little huts etc. I have found one area near me at the local animal refuge where krestels are hanging out often on some wire. I try to get near them and they fly away when I get within 50-60ft of them.

Giphsub

thanks BBiggs. So really just finding a natural nook or bush to hide in or behind would be fine right? And dressing in colours that blend in a bit more? I really want to get a bit better at stealthing up on birds.

BBiggs

Giphsub wrote:

thanks BBiggs. So really just finding a natural nook or bush to hide in or behind would be fine right? And dressing in colours that blend in a bit more? I really want to get a bit better at stealthing up on birds.

Thats pretty much the key Most of the time I just find a active area and stand very still but these Kestrels are on to me

Giphsub

cool, where I am now the barking guard dog ducks give me away to everyone else! Good luck with the kestrels!

Maestro

My frustration is that I can never find them perched on anything but utility lines; however, I can say that they are skittish to the point paranoia. I use my truck as a blind most of the time. I can get pretty close by using my vehicle. I think though a blind and patience would be the best with these guys.

PrescottPhotog

BBiggs wrote:

Does anyone have tips for getting decent shots of this "elusive" bird

Hi Brenton.. I thought I would post this in case you didn't see it. I took it a couple weeks ago and it was just by by chance that I happened to look straight up when this guy was checking me out.. I have taken lots of BIF's but this is the first Kestrel I got this close to.. he was right over my head and as I mentioned in my post I almost fell over backwards trying to follow him.

Sorry for the size but this is the only shot I have online to post..

#1

kdog

Ok, so that might be the best Kestrel BIF shot I've seen...

BBiggs

Thanks Prescott! I did see that photo I like it alot. I tried agian today to get some shots, but the lighting was poor.

Netgarden

Nice shot chris!
I was going to say, sometimes if you pretend to ignore them they get curious and do a flyby. Check behind you once in a while. One used to always sneak behind me. My best chances with the one by me is when he's fighting with another hawk. They forget you are there.

I stand behind a tree. Wear green and brown. Ha, once I invited a friend to go with me to shoot some bald eagles and she shows up in this bright red shirt. hahah Birds don't like red, it flags them as danger.

BBiggs

Netgarden wrote:

Nice shot chris!
I was going to say, sometimes if you pretend to ignore them they get curious and do a flyby. Check behind you once in a while. One used to always sneak behind me. My best chances with the one by me is when he's fighting with another hawk. They forget you are there.

I stand behind a tree. Wear green and brown. Ha, once I invited a friend to go with me to shoot some bald eagles and she shows up in this bright red shirt. hahah Birds don't like red, it flags them as danger.

Interesting! I have yet to see one fight but I will keep that in mind

swintonphoto

Big lens. Thats all I can suggest. Kestrels are falcons - falcons are the fastest animals on the planet. How about an airplane?