kestrel on thorns

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I was happy with the background here.

Canon EOS 1D Mark II, Canon EF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM, EF 2xII ie. at 800mm, ISO 800, f8, 1/1250 second, hand held, full frame. My hands were already aching due to handholding for some time. So I increased the ISO to get some more shutter speed.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Mrudul Godbole]

Nice perch. I liked the eye contact. Sharp. The BG is also nice and clean. Not much noise visible inspite of the high ISO.

[Bibhav Behera]

Beautifully made. The two thorny branches frame it well. Would have liked more DOF but then you would have had to be the Governor of California to manage that :D

[Rahul Parekh]

beautiful & sharp capture...loved the BG :)

I wonder and have question about the bird's perching on the thorny branch!!! Dose anyone here ever observe or information regarding... How birds (any) prepare to land and perch on thorny branch to avoid sharp and piercing tips of thorn??? or their toes don't have senses to feel the pain!!!

All best wishes,

Cheers, Rahul

[Sagar Patil]

Before looking Rahul's comment. I had the same thought in mind :)

Its really a great adjustment. Need to know how do they manage.


Loved the photo.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Rahul,
Whenever a bird lands, you will find its wings spread outwards. It helps in braking and also ensures that only the leg is the first to touch down. (we certainly don't expect the aeroplane wings to hit the ground).

The legs of the birds have been designed according to the habitat. So the feet of a pelican (webbed feet ) is different than that of a kestrel.

You can find that the tarsus and the toes of the birds have got scales like a reptile. It is said that they have common ancestor. That helps while landing. Also, they take care not to land on the spike. Infact, these birds of prey at times take advantage of the spikes and may at times push their prey on the thorns to incapacitate them.

The body structure of birds is also different than mammals. Most of their bones are hollow and there are air sacs running though these bones. So the bones are light, yet strong. It is estimated, that if we need to fly, then we need breast muscles that are atleast 4 feet deep. (well this is an estimation for an average man. Some of us - due to our extra bulk - may need an extra feet or two of breast muscles to get us airborne:D )

So all these adaptations, makes them land and take off easily on a thorny branch.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Rahul Parekh]

Hi Sabyasachi,

Thank you so much for this lovely information. Yes, I agree with you the landing style and structure & use of body. I think their tarsus and toe having thick skin. Moreover the immature and young must have too much trouble while their learning process to fly for the first time and landing on throny shrubs. Its important part of their life too...

I'm now wondering How will I look with strong muscles and wings... :cool: but I don't want to land on thorns to protect my air suit with lots of air sacs. Tiny point can make a BIG difference ;) :D

All best wishes,

Cheers, Rahul

[Chitrita Chatterjee]

stunning picture..... beautiful eye contact...the colors are just so beautiful.... love the way the talons are gripping on to the thorny perch.....