Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Kestrels Return

These are the sights I am seeing daily from my window
at work and in the ally and across to the top of the
building next door.

So far both Male and Female are hanging out at all these
different locations during my work day.
The Female on top of the building next door... right after a
meal I would bet. You can tell by her puffed up appearance.


The beautiful Male in the top of the tree watching.

On any day now you can look out and see the Male
The Female

Or both of them in the top of 'The Tree'

Sometimes far apart and at other times they are close together.
It's a photographer's paradise because they are establishing
their territory and hang around for hours and are not scared
away even if you walk under the tree.

Day before yesterday I caught the Female with a mouse...
click and you will see the tiny little feet of the mouse in the
crack of the wood.



She was screaming and moved to the top of the pole to finish her
meal.


You can see fragments of the mouse clinging to her beak
At lift off I got the full picture of the mouse.


Check out that bulge in her crop after eating.



The lightening rod next door is a favorite look out both for the
Male
And for the Female



You will see many pictures of the pealing fading
building where the Male is checking out the nest site
from last year.


These last two pictures were snapped by my friend
Barb. Thank you for letting me use them!
No copulation yet, but I hope to catch it soon..
Aren't they a handsome couple?

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done

12 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Handsome indeed.I have never found Kestrals that were so accomadating.Out here they will not sit still long enough for any good photos.At least up until now.Hopefully that will change soon.

Tina said...

Wow, I am so liking your kestral find and I am definitely looking forward to your future pictures.. I love seeing this cute little bird!! I have yet to see one in person...but some day!
You have to be in a bird-photographer heaven right now..I am so happy for you!! Waiting anxiously to see what you post next!!

NCmountainwoman said...

I love Kestrels, and your shots are amazing. Great post.

The Birdlady said...

Oh yay! I was so hoping they would come back!

Marsha said...

They are a handsome couple! Do you think they are the same one as last year since he is checking out the same nesting site?

I look forward to watching this nesting adventure. You will have to bring your camera to work everyday :-)

jalynn01 said...

Marsha: Yes I do believe these are the same two birds. They are way too familiar with the area and the nesting sight. Last year I didn't start watching until in April, so their behavior is a little different this year, probably because it is early yet. I am anxious to document and compare to last year.

Anonymous said...

I remember these from last season. I think that was what got me to coming. I love the shots you get. And here I just have the Coopers Hawks. I have never seen a Kestral here.

Connie said...

What a wonderful photo story!

Mary said...

I came over from Helen's site to see your kestrels. I never manage to get close enough for a good shot of the ones I see on the wires in our area. They are so beautiful and your shots are great!

Kim said...

Such gorgeous birds!! You are so fortunate to see it all with your own two eyes and your camera!

Peggy said...

Your kestrel pics are great! I love that you get to watch them every day! Can't wait for whats ahead with this couple!

Anonymous said...

Got to your site via the NY Central Park birding newsletter and really enjoy it. i think some of the pics, especially a few posted on this post seem like commercial quality (the rich colors, the golden light, tough subject material, etc... I'd definitely look into it!)

I too have strong love of G-d and birds, so many of your comments really resonated.

I did a double-take when i saw your location listed as 'Central Pennsylvania' because that is the name of a 5-minute video movie I spent over a year making and posted on openfilm.com. I think you'd really enjoy it as it is quite tranquil and even has some buggies in it.

Keep up the great work!

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