Tuesday, July 7, 2009

American Kestrel: Best of Show

Another "Kestrel" watch is almost over for this year.
I am seeing only one lone male perched on top of the
antenna these days. The rest have disappeared...to where?
I may never know.

These have been my observations:
I first saw the Kestrel pair in the tree the beginning
of April... About 20 days earlier than last year.


The behavior though similar had it's differences: As in the picture
below.. the fledglings were observed resting on the limbs of the tree.
Last year's babies were not observed doing that.

Let's play peek a boo.

Mom from one of her favorite perches which leads
me to believe this is the same pair from last year.

A baby boy preening

Four fledglings in the same picture. A rare catch for me.
Click for a better view.
(2 males 2 females)

entertaining antics
Out of the nest two weeks early

a ball of feathers

Dad keeping a vigil

You can ID the boys by the blue gray on the wings


and the dark dots on the chest



The female has brown streaking on her chest

Mom enjoying a 'birdie' treat



Calling all Kestrels!




one of my favorite pictures ... the colors so
rich on his wing and back feathers.. trying his best
to stay up right while turning


This little cutie seemed to be curious as he watched

but lost interest soon

nightie night...

I noticed here and in NYC how these Kestrels pick
buildings that they can blend with. The colors being
similar or the same as their feathers
To see Kestrel & building photos taken
by Deborah Allen in NYC go here


I will miss this little girl yapping to be fed

And the curious looks from the sunlit tree

little boys


little girls.........

little pin feather heads.....

brother and sister meeting on the ledge...

saying to me... why are you always looking at us?

perhaps discussing where they will 'fly' when they
leave this place and find a home of their own!
Another 'Kestrel' watch comes to an end. I sincerely
hope you have enjoyed the peek inside the activities
of the smallest falcon in N. America.
The American Kestrel
(Falco sparverius)


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

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are nice photos.

I appreciate your comment about the robin and mourning dove in the banner. That was shot last evening. The sun was already over the house but some was streaming through the oak tree and the birds were walking in and out of the light. I must have taken a dozen or more photos like that.

Janice K said...

I have enjoyed the whole "production." What a show God has privileged us to see through your "Window on Nature.

Thanks much!....Janice

Marsha said...

I just love coming here to see the kestrel shots. You have the best of any I've seen and you always narrate them so well that I feel like I am there seeing them with you (Wouldn't that be fun!)

I am so sorry for the lack of comments lately - it is so busy these days keeping up with work & the gardens that my computer time is limited and I read all my favorite blogs in google reader and don't always take the time to come to the actual blog to comment. Just know that I have been following and loving everything you post!

Marsha said...

Oops, forgot to answer your question about cleaning out all the 49 birdhouses. I do try to clean all the ones that are "real" houses with sides & bottoms that open, but the decorative ones that were meant as decorations in the first place and the birds move in - I just leave alone.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Thanks for all the pictures.This has been great.I loved it.
Blessings,Ruth

Peggy said...

I hate to see it end too, thru you! Thanx for bringing them to us, and along with you, my favorite photo of them is the all fluffed up one. Nicely illustrated! Until next year! We all hope...

AMIT said...

This are just wonderful pictures from you.I really appreciate your work.

Alternative energy

Eve said...

You do such a beautiful job on these Kestrels Jalynn! Thanks for stopping by my blog from time to time. It's always nice to read your comments.

Tina said...

Jane,
What a nice documentation you have done with these adorable kestrels..I've really enjoyed reading and seeing all that you have posted. I've learned a lot about them by reading your posts!!
Thank you very much for taking so much time to take, edit, and write about them!!

The Birdlady said...

They are so beautiful. What a wonder for you to have them there.

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