Tag Archives: kestrel

Kestrel That Isn’t Shy

During a walk through Windsor Great Park, we were about to turn onto a new path when we noticed a few people stopped a short distance away. If there are a few people all doing nothing and looking in one direction, there is a good chance there is something interesting that they are looking at. Sure enough, there was a kestrel sitting on the fence. Whenever I see something like this, I figure there is a chance that it is going to get spooked and fly off so grab a quick shot before it is too late.

However, this bird didn’t seem in the least bit bothered. It was well aware of the small crowd that it had attracted but no one was getting close, so it seemed content to just sit there. I walked in a new direction to try and get a better angle on it – still convinced that it would scoot but no. It happily stayed there while I got a different look at it. Having achieved that, it was time to continue with our walk but, as I looked back, it was still sitting there. Maybe it had just eaten and was now digesting lunch?

What’s Next for Breakfast?

Back to Winnall’s Moor again and more bird life. I had seen a kestrel hunting on a previous visit, and, on this morning, there was one sitting on a branch surveying the scene. The early light was very nice, and I was optimistic that I would get some more hunting shots. Sadly, the kestrel must have had plenty to eat, or there was nothing to catch. It sat on the branch for ages, and I was so cold, I lost patience standing around. I left it to it. I have no idea when it finally took off.

Kestrel Getting Some Lunch

During my first stroll around Winnall Moors, I caught a glimpse of a bird of prey as it swooped across the grass. I tried to get the camera on it as it moved by. It headed to the grass and then took off again, apparently carrying something with it. Not sure what sort of rodent it had found but it had found a meal. I hadn’t set the camera up for fast moving targets so got whatever I could as it flew away. The light was a little low but the high ISO shots these days are really nothing to worry about. I am hoping to get plenty more opportunities like this. Now to find some kingfishers!

Kestrel on a Post

Kestrels are so small, getting a good shot of them is going to be tricky at the best of times and, unless they come nice and close, you are always working to see what you can get.  This little fella landed on a post near the road and was clearly having a snack.  Looking very closely at the images, I still can’t work out what it is eating.  I then waited for it to fly away and, of course, once I put the camera down for a bit, off it went.  I did get another shot of it as it flew to a post but nothing special.

Kestrel Patrolling The Taxiway

One sunny day, I was hanging out at Arlington watching the flying activity.  However, planes weren’t the only thing flying.  I looked across at a taxiway light and saw something on top of it.  A look through the long lens and a kestrel came into focus, if only briefly.  Before I knew it the bird had launched into flight and headed away, not to return while I was there.  I was rather pleased to have got something close to a reasonable shot of it in that short moment.