American Kestrel aka "Sparrow Hawk"

This American Kestrel, one of the smallest of the raptors was

sitting on a barbed wire fence (which is a natural environment for

them) at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The tiny falcon is

actually a pretty colorful bird. Shot with 10D, 100-400 IS handheld

from vehicle window.

I don't like the frame. I would crop the bottom and if possible, frame more to the right.

Very nice shot of the bird... but the composition, IMHO would be better if the bird were in the lower left corner of the frame following the rule of thirds, or if the bottom were cropped, also if the bird is looking to thr right, it is better to have more space on that side so that the birds looking right doesnt take the veiwer out of the frame. In any case , just my opinions, nice shot.

Although having more room in front of this sparrow hawk is a good idea, IMHO having the bird down low, as other have suggested, is not. As your photo's framing stands you tend to be drawn to the tail feathers of the bird.

 

Like the grey, slightly burry background.