My American Kestrel Plan.

American Kestrel

I was on my way out to look for the sandhill cranes when I noticed an American kestrel sitting on a fence post. It was small, alert, and watching the field with that sharp focus only a kestrel has. My first instinct was to stop right away, but experience has taught me not to do that. Sudden stops rarely work, and they are even worse when I still have the winter stud tires on my vehicle. They make too much noise, and the bird would have been gone in a second.

So I kept driving. I let the moment pass, even though every part of me wanted to lift the camera. The sun was behind me, and I knew that if I turned around up ahead, I might be able to get the bird rim lit. That small idea was enough to settle me. I drove on, found a safe place to turn, and came back with a plan.

Before I got close, I checked my camera settings and rolled down my window. I reached for the bean bag I keep beside me and set it on the door frame to support my lens. These small steps matter. They slow me down and help me stay quiet. I eased forward, inch by inch, letting the vehicle glide. I was lucky that there was no traffic. It gave me the time I needed.

When I felt close enough, I stopped. The kestrel looked at me once, then went back to scanning the field. I had about forty five seconds before it lifted off and moved to another hunting perch. In that short window, the light caught the edges of its feathers, just the way I hoped it would. The bird gave me a moment of stillness, and I did my best to meet it with the same care.

Here is the image I was rewarded with.