Wonderful photos and a great essay, James. I like the colour and markings on the American Kestrel - so striking. I have only seen them twice in my life. I remember the first time I saw one and the kestrel was on an overhead wire just as you described. I was not into birding at the time and did not know what I was looking at. Beautiful small and deadly bird!
I've only seen a few at the Refuge, best luck for them by the Pines Trail and on the powerlines by the entrance. Evasive little guys--fast and small. I hope you get to see one there soon, Pamela.
Since I won’t be up and about any time in the near future, I will gladly enjoy every single one of your incredible photos. Thank you so much for sharing them
Wonderful photo essay, James. We have American Kestrels in my area and I love seeing them. Sometimes I see them in the sun and am amazed at their coloring.
I saw a juvenile Bald Eagle this morning, and I recently read H is for Hawk, by Helen MacDonald. I haven't seen a kestrel in the wild yet, so thank you for sharing your photos and observations. They are marvelous creatures.
What a beautiful kestrel, much more brightly coloured than the (European) Kestrel. I love that poem by Gerald Manley Hopkins, he had such a way with words.
Our kestrels have declined over the past decades, it used to be that whenever you took a long journey you'd be guaranteed to see kestrels hovering above the side of the route, now far less so. I am lucky enough to still see kestrels relatively frequently around Edinburgh.
I love the Hopkins poem, too, Juliet. Thank you for reading and commenting. I did not know about the decline in kestrels in your neck of the woods. It seems sadly to be a trend among wonderful creatures, but at least you get to see and appreciate them in Edinburgh.
Wonderful photos and a great essay, James. I like the colour and markings on the American Kestrel - so striking. I have only seen them twice in my life. I remember the first time I saw one and the kestrel was on an overhead wire just as you described. I was not into birding at the time and did not know what I was looking at. Beautiful small and deadly bird!
Thank you Neil. They are wonderfully colorful. And so tiny and fast! Were you more into birds for your second kestrel?
Yes, the second time I saw an American Kestral I knew immediately by the size, colouring, and shape.
That’s awesome Neil, I hope you see another one soon and get photos!
Saw hundreds flying through on their migration south three weeks ago here in southern Ontario. Beautiful to watch.
That must’ve been such an experience, witnessing that! Thank you for reading.
Amazing!
Kestrels are so beautiful. I have only seen one once down at the Refuge. Thank you for this wonderful read and the beautiful photos.
I've only seen a few at the Refuge, best luck for them by the Pines Trail and on the powerlines by the entrance. Evasive little guys--fast and small. I hope you get to see one there soon, Pamela.
I’ve never seen these before in person. Tiny yet mighty
That’s a great way of describing them, I hope you see one soon
Since I won’t be up and about any time in the near future, I will gladly enjoy every single one of your incredible photos. Thank you so much for sharing them
Glad they provide some enjoyment for you, Teyani!
Another great article and photos James! I love Kestrels too.
Thank you Sandra. With your photography skills I am sure you have some great captures of American Kestrels!
Actually I don’t. Only a few I took at Bosque del Apache and a few from Texas but not great shots. Kestrels and Harriers are my elusive birds.
The elusive ones keep the birding rewarding!
Wonderful photo essay, James. We have American Kestrels in my area and I love seeing them. Sometimes I see them in the sun and am amazed at their coloring.
They are unexpectedly colorful little creatures, always a pleasure to see. Thank you, Heidi.
I saw a juvenile Bald Eagle this morning, and I recently read H is for Hawk, by Helen MacDonald. I haven't seen a kestrel in the wild yet, so thank you for sharing your photos and observations. They are marvelous creatures.
Excellent book! I have to reread it. Juvenile balds are marvelous too! I hope you had a great encounter, thank you Thomas
A lifer bird for me. I’ve seen them from a distance with their cool hovering movements but never up close.
Love the images!
Thank you Joe! They don’t let people close too often, I was very lucky.
What a beautiful kestrel, much more brightly coloured than the (European) Kestrel. I love that poem by Gerald Manley Hopkins, he had such a way with words.
Our kestrels have declined over the past decades, it used to be that whenever you took a long journey you'd be guaranteed to see kestrels hovering above the side of the route, now far less so. I am lucky enough to still see kestrels relatively frequently around Edinburgh.
I love the Hopkins poem, too, Juliet. Thank you for reading and commenting. I did not know about the decline in kestrels in your neck of the woods. It seems sadly to be a trend among wonderful creatures, but at least you get to see and appreciate them in Edinburgh.
Windhover. Another new term for me. It's so fitting. And I love the poem, thank you.
I love to see kestrels around here. But yes, their American cousins look very striking in your captures.
Glad you enjoyed it, Janelle. Both species are arrestingly gorgeous birds.
The Hopkins poem made the whole piece sing for me. I have seen a kestrel once in Seattle -
Glad you enjoyed the poem, Suzanne
Beautiful birds and awesome photos.
Thank you Jenn, they are special little falcons