Thursday, June 19, 2008

STAR -ling WARS

This day started out pretty much the same as they all do at the 'Kestrel Watch'. I go to work and see Ethel in the tree hanging out. The leaves are blowing and she is swaying with the rhythm of the wind.










Meanwhile over at the nest site Fred is at the highest point he can get. He can see her from here and also see the nest. He is ever watching and protecting the precious cargo that is stashed away in the eaves of the 'nest' building.
















He flits from one high point to another. This chimney is on
the roof of the building next to the nest site.
As he is preparing to fly so is the Starling on the roof next door.

She has a nest here too, as do many of her relatives. I see
Starlings going in and out of the eaves and into the
brick chimneys carrying food for their young.
There MUST be an agreement between Starling and Kestrel
for them to share the same nesting grounds, but on this day
their was a dispute brewing.
The Starling looks down....
Fred looks up....


Fred flies to a pole nearby to get a better look.

Up on the roof with the wind blowing up his chest feathers

these birds amaze me at how keen their eyes are
and how they watch every movement
The sun catches his shadow and throws it onto the
corbel of the roof

He's still looking for that Starling!

Thankfully my friend is here and pressing her shutter also. She
got some of the best action shots to follow. Thank you barbie
from jane & barbie adventures for your pictures I've used.

Aha!! There you are you pesky black bird!

Fred gives him the evil eye. It's probably the wind but
it looks like the feathers on the back of his neck are standing up!
The Starling takes flight

Fred calls for Ethel and she appears out of nowhere
at top speed... I'm coming honey!

The Starling tries to side step and dive but Ethel the 'mother
warrior' is right on it!

Uh Oh! A clash in midair.... Get outta here you pesky bird!

Normalcy returns and you can see Fred here if you look closely
feeding young.

Out again! making sure nothing showed up while he was feeding.

Ethel then comes in on the ledge and is preparing some food
for her little ones....seen with her mouth wide open.
Please stay tuned... the next post will be the 'coming out party'
You do not want to miss it!!
To God be the Glory ~ Great Things He Hath done!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Most of us would give a thumb for one or two kestrel shots but you got lots of them. Such nice birds deserve lots of attention.

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Marsha said...

Jalynn (Jane?), wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! It was fun to catch up on the city kestrels and all the shots are amazing. Those Jane & Barbie adventures must really be a good time, 2 friends, 2 cameras, 2 sharing the same hobby and 2 much fun!

The Birdlady said...

Wow! What wonderful kestral shots! Great series.

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