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A Bird In The Hand

© Jim Baines

A Bird In The Hand

Uploaded: January 16, 2010

Description

American Kestrel
Falco sparverius



Exif: F Number: 10, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/5000 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 200.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200

Comments

Jim Baines level-classic January 16, 2010

The 83 year old loving, caring hands of Doris Mager. founder of SOAR, Inc., present a handicapped kestrel rescued in Alabama after being hit by a car. The left eye is missing from a completely healed eye socket. Doris presented her little falcon friend on her hands and on a small tree limb in an attempt to pacify photographers. But after viewing the two, it became obvious to me that the experienced loving hands carry far more impact.

Perhaps the most colorful raptor in the world, the American Kestrel is the most common and widespread falcon in North America. It is found from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, in towns as well as wild lands. Kestrels can see in the ultraviolet spectrum, which helps them locate rodent urine trails and therefore identify good hunting areas. They nest in cavities in trees, buildings, and nest boxes but add no additional material to the nest hole. Nestlings back up, raise their tails, and paint the walls of the nest cavity with their feces where it dries and stays off the nestlings. With feces on the walls and uneaten parts of small animals on the floor, the nest gets to be a smelly little ghetto.

#1227588

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe January 16, 2010

Outstanding details, colors and capture, Jim. He is beautiful. Great info. #8301120

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe January 16, 2010

A wonderful portrait and info Jim! Jeff #8301200

Jack Gaskin January 16, 2010

OUTSTANDING CAPTURE. As before the naked hand was the first thing I noticed. You are on the Money they make a powerful statement. Great Comment about the nesting habits & their resulting aroma!!!!

Have seen these little raptors from Maine to Fla. and they are like a Crayola Dream.

Happy Shooting
Jack #8301307

Amy M. Wilson January 16, 2010

This has such impact seeing her scratched hand... such a powerful statement of her love and care of these beauties! Another great capture and intersting info, Jim! #8301483

Melinda B. Shiflet January 16, 2010

I LOVE this capture, Jim!! Beautiful colors, detail, and yes, the bare and loving hand certainly drew my focus in! Great job! #8301531

Ron McEwan January 16, 2010

Excellent Jim and all around perfect image in my book #8302611

Tammy Espino January 17, 2010

Awesome capture & Story!! #8304143

Val Feldman level-deluxe January 20, 2010

Hey, Tex...I'm a bit late on the initial submit but in time to congrat you on the EP! Beautiful kestrel but it's those hands that take the spotlight for me...such strong hands, work-worn and a bit "scuffed" with a firm but loving grip...Amy said it best when she wrote that seeing them made a powerful statement of her love and I'd add, her dedication. I'm writing a book here...LOL! Well done, Tex, as always. #8315196

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic January 22, 2010

Beautiful bird and capture, Jim! #8322762

Bonnie C. Lackey level-classic February 03, 2010

What a fantastic series of pictures, Jim and this one is a sure winner! I bet Doris adores this one and also the full face portrait of her. You had a wonderful day, didn't you! #8354547

Jane E. Kirn February 04, 2010

I have not seen handlers that do not use gloves when holding large birds. Interesting that this woman does so with such delicate skin. Not so sure this is the safest way to treat 83 year old skin. She must know herself and have a lot of trust with her bird friends. As usual Jim, you have a great set of photos going. Keep them rolling... #8357374

Cassie L. Woodlee February 10, 2010

Amazing capture Jim!!! #8371858

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