Wildlife, landscape and weather photography
Here’s one from last month that slipped through the cracks.
I was walking a local open space area when I spotted this handsome fellow as he kept watch for a meal. He wasn’t too inclined to hang around and have his picture taken but at least gave me a pretty cool launch shot.
Don’t let the size of these little ones fool you. While they are North America’s smallest falcon, they are just as capable of a hunter and as vicious of a predator as any raptor.
Sitting on a wire is where you will most often find North America’s smallest falcon. To my surprise, on this morning, I found one hanging out on the ground. He didn’t stay there for long though and soon jumped back to a more ‘normal’ perch. These little raptors are very common here in eastern Colorado but also notoriously skittish so not easy to get good pics of.
The most common place you will find these little falcons. They love to hang out on the utility wires that run along rural roads, keeping a close eye on the adjacent fields for a quick meal. While they are North America’s smallest falcon, don’t let their size fool you. They can be just as vicious and effective of a predator as their bigger family members. The males, like this one here, are just gorgeous with that blue / gray and orange / brown plumage.
It is a little tough to see as it is hanging off the opposite side of the branch, but this little falcon caught itself a meal nearly as big as it is! Yesterday I was wrapping up a walk along the South Platte River when I spotted this handsome guy just as he landed with his mouse. He only gave me a few captures then headed off to dine in private.
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective predator and just as vicious as any raptor.
I love these little falcons – if only they were a bit more cooperative when it came to taking their picture. I did “cheat” a bit to get this nice shot of one.
This particular kestrel is named Ajax and is a captive bird owned by Nature’s Educators. It was at one time a falconry bird but was found to be blind in one eye and not suitable for hunting. Since it can’t hunt, it cannot survive on its own and now does outreach programs with the non-profit group.
Here it seen on one of a few flybys it did during a recent photo shoot event I attended.
While they are North America’s smallest falcon, don’t let their small size fool you. American Kestrels are very effective predators and just as vicious as any raptor.
A pretty common raptor here in Colorado and North America’s smallest falcon. This American Kestrel is named Ajax and is a captive bird owned by Nature’s Educators. It was at one time a falconry bird but was found to be blind in one eye and not suitable for hunting. Since it can’t hunt, it cannot survive on its own and now does outreach programs with the non-profit group.
Don’t let this little guy’s size fool you though. American Kestrels are very effective predators and just as vicious as any raptor.
Taken with my Canon USA 7D Mark II and new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 G2. I am absolute ecstatic with the detail this lens provides.
Image available for purchase here.
These little falcons are very cool – but also quite skittish. It takes a lot of patience to get pics of them and even then, they don’t make it easy. I happened across this handsome guy on Friday and he soon showed his distaste for having his picture taken. Thankfully I managed this capture just as he departed for the camera-free zone.
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective predator and just as vicious as any raptor.
These little falcons aren’t usually too inclined to sit still for pictures and this female was no exception. I saw her perched and no sooner did I get my camera up to my eye than she bolted off. Thankfully I was able to grab a couple of parting shots including this one as she took off sideways.
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective predator and just as vicious as any raptor. Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
I happened to spot this guy just as he landed on a utility wire with his meal. Much to my pleasure, he didn’t mind me taking pictures while he ate. A great time for me and the Kestrel but probably not so much so for the mouse. 😉
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective predator and just as vicious as any raptor.
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These are such cool little raptors – and beautiful. Males like this one in particular are quite colorful and handsome. This guy was hanging out on a utility wire, as they often do, keeping watch on a nearby field for a meal. He wouldn’t cooperate for any flights shots but did pose for a brief bit.
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective #predator and just as vicious as any raptor. Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
