Hovering Beauty

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Hovering Beauty

This was taken in May 2008 with the Canon XT body and the 100-400 f5.6L lens.  I was driving along the Ridgefield NWR auto tour route heading for the main parking lot on the 2-way road.  As I rounded the corner into the lot, I spotted this Kestrel hovering about 60 feet up and only a short distance from the lot (i.e., it was almost right over me when I snapped it).  I hit the gas and drove the short distance to as close as I dared get.  I grabbed the camera and hopped out of the truck, cranking up the EC a stop for the sky as I brought the camera to position, and took as many bursts as the little XT could handle.  1/800, f6.3, 380mm, ISO400.

This was taken in May 2008 with the Canon XT body and the 100-400 f5.6L lens.  I was driving along the Ridgefield NWR auto tour route heading for the main parking lot on the 2-way road.  As I rounded the corner into the lot, I spotted this Kestrel hovering about 60 feet up and only a short distance from the lot (i.e., it was almost right over me when I snapped it).  I hit the gas and drove the short distance to as close as I dared get.  I grabbed the camera and hopped out of the truck, cranking up the EC a stop for the sky as I brought the camera to position, and took as many bursts as the little XT could handle.  1/800, f6.3, 380mm, ISO400.

8 thoughts on “Hovering Beauty”

  1. Wandering Sagebrush

    Dennis, a great shot of the kestrel. I think this was taken about the time we started shooting out at Ridgefield. When you get a chance, I am curious to hear more about setting up your site and blog.

    Kind Regards,

    Steve

    1. Thanks, Liz! I have yet to get another hovering kestrel shot with as nice of light and facing toward me. Lately, the birds seem to want to face away from me when they hover. One of these days…

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