Tuesday, April 15, 2008

American Kestrel


Seen yesterday; this was our first spring sighting of this smallest of falcons, this adult, male American Kestrel. Perching on the very tip of an evergreen tree when we first saw it; it then very quickly flew from one place to another as our car approached. Finally, flying across the road to perch on overhead wires it gave me a perfect view with just the right light. Being able to get pictures of an American Kestrel this spring is a much different experience from last year for no matter how many Kestrels I had seen in 2007, I took very few successful photos of this species that year.

Kestrels feed on insects and small mammals.

10 comments:

Stacey Olson said...

Kestrels are such fun little warriors. Great shots. I just love their zipping flight style

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

A beautiful bird. I very rarely see them here. I love your pictures.

Texas Travelers said...

Ditto Stacy.
They are one of my favorite hawks.

Terrific photos.

Have a great week and come visit,
Troy and Martha

Mary said...

Wonderful pictures...what beautiful feathers this bird has!

me ann my camera said...

Thank you all for your comments. These small falcons seen often on overhead wires are always an enjoyable sighting. Glad that you all enjoyed.

Mo said...

He's beautiful. A bit different from British kestrels.

Anonymous said...

You've captured it wonderfully! Such beautiful colours. :)

me ann my camera said...

mo and april:
I was fortunate that it had flown across the road and perched on the wires when it did, for most of the other photos I had taken did not have colourful details that the better lighting when on the wire gave it. Glad you both enjoyed it.

RuthieJ said...

Lucky you for those great kestrel pics. I have never been able to get close to them as they're perched either. They sure are a pretty little bird.

me ann my camera said...

ruthiej:
Kestrels are the most annoying bird to photograph most of the time for usually as soon as you think you're finally close enough for a picture, they fly off and perch at a further distance. This time I was lucky.