Nankeen Kestrel

[Ralph]

We have got good numbers of these in the Sunraysia Area. If you head from here to Adelaide, on the main drag you could see one or two in a tree every 6oo meters or so.
So these are not that difficult to see, and this is so different from a few years back as I think the numbers have increased which I find as a good sign.

1 Sitting in the tree and not that bothered with me being so close

2 and this is the next shot in line and it had moved a little.

[Isac]

Stunning looking bird Ralph. Those patterns a great and the red legs really stand out. Lovely photos.

[Ralph]

This is another where there is a push for a name change to the Australian Kestrel. I actually like that idea and would vote yes to it.
These as I think are good looking birds and the feather pattern on the back sort of reminds me of the British royal jacket things.

[Isac]

I don't know why people want to change the names of birds, is there some sort of issue with the name of this bird? I'm not sure what you mean by British Royal jacket?

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Ralph

Dunno anything about naming - but I am 100% for naming Aussie birds / animals by Aussie names if that is appropriate
As to your images - I prefer #2 as the eye is not clashing with the background tree bits

Phil

[Ralph]

I agree but I never noticed this until you pointed that part out. I think we sort of get a little blind in what we see in our own shots and tend to miss a few things. But not all the time but you don't look at your own shots with an objective look. This only happens once told, well this is for me. It's good to get someone else's views on thing from time to time to keep you in line, and that's a good thing to.

[wigz]

#2 for me Ralph as I think it has better colour and better light on the eye. The bright background can make things difficult as it can introduce veiling flare. I have only ever seen a couple of these and they are beautiful birds.

[Ralph]

We have had so many overcast days here of late but in that the light is still real good, so I sort of understand what you mean.
There are heaps of these about here right now and I think we have got good number year round to.
The other day I got a real dark one but it was too far for my lens. The shot is good enough for me but not to post but it if better is a stunning darker brown. I wish it was postable but its not.