Richmond Hill - Kestrel encounter
Sunday, 17. August 2008, 23:24:25
I thought I'd start from the end of my trip Saturday, for no particular reason!
As we left Richmond Park we pass through Richmond Hill which has a steep, long grassed bank along the R. Thames side, which has a great view. This was occupied but 100+ people, mostly at the top on the path, but a number of groups were sat down or flying kites. Imagine my surprise when a kestrel started hovering among this lot and diving for prey, one time about 10 feet from a group of amazed teenagers. Being on a slope it was hovering in a matter of metres away, level with me at times, and amazing sight it was. Unfortunately a combination of limited equipment (although thankfully my camera was on centre weighted metering and autofocus) and limited experince of shooting flying objects I only manged a few ok shots
As we left Richmond Park we pass through Richmond Hill which has a steep, long grassed bank along the R. Thames side, which has a great view. This was occupied but 100+ people, mostly at the top on the path, but a number of groups were sat down or flying kites. Imagine my surprise when a kestrel started hovering among this lot and diving for prey, one time about 10 feet from a group of amazed teenagers. Being on a slope it was hovering in a matter of metres away, level with me at times, and amazing sight it was. Unfortunately a combination of limited equipment (although thankfully my camera was on centre weighted metering and autofocus) and limited experince of shooting flying objects I only manged a few ok shots
still they are the best in flight kestrel shots I have, and it was amagical sightI also spotted a nicely tame jackdaw up there too.
(100%)
WIDGETIZE
Lois # 18. August 2008, 01:55
Eric # 18. August 2008, 02:16
Neil # 18. August 2008, 07:55
@ cedarfox - thanks
Words # 18. August 2008, 23:44