While I'm waiting for Ozzie and Harriet, the bald eagles in North Ft. Myers, to fly in or out of the nest there's quite a bit of down time just standing around. So, I end up looking for other possible photo opps. The last time I was at the nest I got really lucky and saw this kestrel. Isn't she beautiful? The elements were working against me that day. It was windy and shadowy, plus the kestrel was a good 40 yards away in a tree. Yet, I'm still pleased to have captured my first ever sighting of a kestrel. They're quite small -- only 10-12 inches. (They seem really tiny when you compare them to an eagle.) Because of their size they're also known as the sparrow hawk. Locating and identifying this kestrel was a team effort. The SDP Junior Editor spotted it with her incredible vision and a freelance photog waiting around killing time was happy to identify it (which I confirmed in my trusty 'Birds of Florida Field Guide'.) I hope to see another one soon at a closer distance. As for Ozzie and Harriet, my fingers are crossed to catch up with them this weekend.
11 comments:
Yes! She is! I hope you catch mum and dad!
More than just a lucky shot...your alertness paid off.
You're getting to be a pro at this! Beautiful bird.
I think this kestrel is watching you carefully from afar. I wouldn't know a kestrel for a kettleful but it does look similar to a bird on top of a pole in our back yard the other day of which I got a really crappy picture but may post anyone one of these days and then you can confirm if it is kestrel or something else. OK?
Hope you have a wonderful week. Saw your comment elsewhere - do you have celiac? One of our grandsons does but he's not too careful about what he eats and sometimes pays the price.
Be careful. They'll be calling you Birdwoman soon.
Wow! Awesome!
Beautiful! They're such small raptors!
You answered my question. I was wondering how on earth you knew it was a kestrel. Then again, I have high respect for your extensive knowledge . . .
Yes beautiful bird..I really admire the patience it must take to catch these!
Beautiful bird - small - but that beak and those big eyes give it away. Good luck getting closer!
Well done SRQ, in difficult conditions you captured a super shot of this small hunting bird.
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