American Kestrel

Adult male. It is an unexpected sight in the area where we walk every day, although I did see him yesterday at the top of the same snag, when he flew off before I could get my camera ready. I was more mindful this morning and got lucky. He had a very distinctive way of sitting--bobbing his tail up and down a lot.

I'm having focus problems with my bird shots lately. The moments I snap are fine, but they are too soft, too contrasty and too noisy. I hope my camera isnt losing its mind; I've had a couple Lumixes go bad after the warranty expired.


Big thanks to Cornell University's ornithology site.