Harriers and Kestrels

PrescottPhotog

Hi,

I got a couple more shots over the last week or so that I haven't had the chance to post.. Hope you enjoy the shots.

#1 - shot with 500mm

#2 - shot with 500mm

#3 - shot with 500mm

#4 - shot with 300mm - Handheld

#5 - shot with 300mm - Handheld

#6 - shot with 300mm - Handheld (cropped from above)

#7 - shot with 500mm

#8 - shot with 500mm

#9 - shot with 500mm

#10 - shot with 500mm

Giphsub

Another awesome set Chris I love that last shot! The background and colours of the bird are beautiful.

jwear

you really had a great day all very good shots ,nicely done

Harv

Wow! These harrier shots are gorgeous. #1 and # 9 are outstanding. I'm still trying to get a decent shot of either and you come away with both the male and female. Congrats on a super job.

NomadRip

Wow...these are fantastic shots.

anwmn1

Well you sure seem to have that area pegged. More great shots.

M. Lentz

#5, #7 and #9 all are very nice... sharp!:D

jeff lapoint

Chris,

These are freaking awesome!

raptorcaptor

That mouse suit you've been wearing seem to be working!

Great set Chris! Really like your Northern Harrier shots!

PrescottPhotog

Giphsub wrote:

Another awesome set Chris I love that last shot! The background and colours of the bird are beautiful.

Hi Mike.. Thanks for your compliments. The 500 can capture bokeh better than any lens I have ever used. I waited for this guy for well over an hour. He landed about 100 yards away and preened and preened and preened. Finally it took off and came my way just over the top of the brush. I was lucky because usually when I wait that long they always go in the opposite direction..

PrescottPhotog

jwear wrote:

you really had a great day all very good shots ,nicely done

Hi Jeff.. It was a good day in a very small area that is why I am glad I took the shorter lens.. which I usually don't do. I had the 1.4 on but had just taken it off or I would never have captured these shots. Thanks for the compliment.

PrescottPhotog

Harv wrote:

Wow! These harrier shots are gorgeous. #1 and # 9 are outstanding. I'm still trying to get a decent shot of either and you come away with both the male and female. Congrats on a super job.

Thanks Harv.. Sometimes things just go right. I wish I could get a shot or two with some green in it but that just isn't going to happen around here for a few months. Nothing but sky and brush to shoot against..

PrescottPhotog

NomadRip wrote:

Wow...these are fantastic shots.

Hi Nomad, Thank you very much for the compliments.

PrescottPhotog

anwmn1 wrote:

Well you sure seem to have that area pegged. More great shots.

Hi Aaron.. As I mentioned in the other post it's getting tough. The day I took these shots I had to shoo off 3 dogs (that weren't on a leash). A couple kids that decided to stand 10 feet in front of me and throw boulders into the lake. Another guy came by and wanted to stand there (in the open while I was hiding in the brush) and chat for an hour.. all because the water is so high you can't find a place to hide or get 10 feet off the trails. And the weekends are much worse. I don't get upset though because it is their lake too.

PrescottPhotog

M. Lentz wrote:

#5, #7 and #9 all are very nice... sharp!:D

Hi Mike.. Thanks for viewing.. #5 was taken with the 300. It isn't a good BIF lens because it is to short.. but when you get a good shot (of anything) it is just tack sharp, usually right out of the camera. I shot a rodeo with the 300 this summer and I was amazed at the prints I got.

PrescottPhotog

jeff lapoint wrote:

Chris, These are freaking awesome!

Hi Jeff.. Thanks for the compliments.. much appreciated.

PrescottPhotog

raptorcaptor wrote:

That mouse suit you've been wearing seem to be working! Great set Chris! Really like your Northern Harrier shots!

Hi Glenn.. I don't know if it's my suit or the mouse I have tied to the end of my lens. It took me a while to teach him to squeak on command though..

dbaker1221

really cool shots..love em!!!:ivar

Maestro

Nice set again Chris. That kestrel has itself a mouthful. I have only seen kestrels grab insects. This one must have been hungry! Great harrier shots too!

PrescottPhotog

dbaker1221 wrote:

really cool shots..love em!!!:ivar

Hi Dave, Thank you for your comments.

PrescottPhotog

Maestro wrote:

Nice set again Chris. That kestrel has itself a mouthful. I have only seen kestrels grab insects. This one must have been hungry! Great harrier shots too!

Hi Stephen, The Kestrels around here are better at catching mice than any cat and better than its bigger cousins too from what I have seen. I've watched them sit in a low tree and just take mouse after mouse.