Kestrel Hunt

When hunting, the Common Kestrel characteristically hovers about 10–20 m above the ground, searching for prey, either by flying into the wind or by soaring using ridge lift. Like most birds of prey, Common Kestrels have keen eyesight enabling them to spot small prey from a distance. Once prey is sighted, the bird makes a short, steep dive toward the target.This species is able to see near ultraviolet light, allowing the birds to detect the urine trails around rodent burrows as they shine in an ultraviolet colour in the sunlight.

Clicked on a cloudy day just when the Kestrel was about to strike. EOS 7D with 400mm f/5.6L @ f/7.1, 1/800, ISO 400. C&C most welcome!

Nice information about Kestrel behaviour. It is easier to focus when the Kestrel is hovering. However, one needs to be close and in position to take benefit of this pose. Inclusion of the grass at the bottom enhances the image. A higher shutter speed would have been even better. Thanks for sharing. Did you get the kill?

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Wow! Lovely freeze this. The details are nice and thanks for info as well
tfs

Really loved this image Tushar. Excellent Timing.

Last weekend had gone with some of my colleagues to Mudumalai and i had shown them a kestrel do this. Today I showed them this pic and they were mighty impressed. TFS
Roopak

Excellent Timing, mindblowing image.

Nice image Tushar. The inclusion of the foliage at the bottom looks nice. The fanned out tail feathers show how it uses its tail along with the wing flapping to hover. Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing.