Really satisfying photo…

Except for those paper cups.

It’s been a little while since I’ve seen kestrels - here, the Kites get chased off by Jackdaws and Crows, though I’m pretty sure sometimes the Kites deliberately provoke them first to have a bit of fun.

Because I’ve watched them so much, I’m familiar with their flight patterns (loosely, a lazy horizontal corkscrew, a lazy half straight glide, and then a determined “I want to get there” flight - oh, and a circling up on thermals which is a “no hoper” for photos) - with those I find it much easier now to predict and track their flight. Though a good lens and auto-focus obviously helps a lot!

Well, there are Scottish release & feeding stations (I’ve been to the Galloway one), and they are happy in urban environments, it shouldn’t be more than a few years before you’re seeing them in Glasgow!

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/red-kite

Oops - the one time I forgot to add it!

Canon R5 MkII + RF200-800mm lens (at full extension) - ISO800, F/9, 1/1250s So, umm, not the cheapest of setups :)

It did make my walk, the day is yet young, but maybe to day as well!

Chalkie from 2022, the last time I’ve a photo of them (I’ve also some 2021 photos):

A nice combo of crimes against the sky.

Though what it really needs is a few jet vapour trails, preferably with a jet in shot!

Mmm, but it is a powerful camera + lens, making it easier :) And the light was kind.

Jay, and an excuse to post my Jay photo from today (Reading, UK)