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TECHNOLOGY AND WILDLIFE


TECHNOLOGY AND WILDLIFE
Photo Information
Copyright: Marius Secan (marius-secan) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 197 W: 0 N: 440] (1491)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-10-04
Categories: Birds
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Hamlyn Guide - Birds of prey [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-10-05 11:39
Viewed: 217
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
COMMON KESTREL (FALCO TINNUNCULUS)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel, or Old World Kestrel. In Britain, where no other brown falcon occurs, it is generally just called "the kestrel".[1]

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. But although it has colonized a few oceanic islands, vagrant individuals are generally rare; in the whole of Micronesia for example, the species was only recorded twice each on Guam and Saipan in the Marianas.

Common Kestrels measure 32-39 cm (13-15 in) from head to tail, with a wingspan of 65-82 cm (26-32 in). Females are noticeably larger, with the adult male weighing 136-252 g (c,5-9 oz), around 155 g (around 5.5 oz) on average; the adult female weighs 154-314 g (about 5.5-11 oz), around 184 g (around 6.5 oz) on average. They are thus small compared with other birds of prey, but larger than most songbirds. Like the other Falco species, they have long wings as well as a distinctive long tail.

In the cool-temperate parts of its range, the Common Kestrel migrates south in winter; otherwise it is sedentary, though juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. It is a diurnal animal of the lowlands and prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as longs as there are alternate perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals. The Common Kestrel readily adapts to human settlement, as long as sufficient swathes of vegetation are available, and may even be found in wetlands, moorlands and arid savanna.

When hunting, the Common Kestrel characteristically hovers about 10-20 m (c.30-70 ft) above the ground, searching for prey, either by flying into the wind or by soaring using ridge lift. Like most birds of prey, Common Kestrels have keen eyesight enabling them to spot small prey from a distance. Once prey is sighted, the bird makes a short, steep dive toward the target. It can often be found hunting along the sides of roads and motorways. This species is able to see near ultraviolet light, allowing the birds to detect the urine trails around rodent burrows as they shine in an ultraviolet colour in the sunlight.

The Common Kestrel starts breeding in spring (or the start of the dry season in the tropics), i.e. April/May in temperate Eurasia and some time between August and December in the tropics and southern Africa. It is a cavity nester, preferring holes in cliffs, trees or buildings; in built-up areas, Common Kestrels will often nest on buildings, and generally they often reuse the old nests of corvids if are available.

The male is responsible for provisioning her with food, and for some time after hatching this remains the same. Later, both parents share brooding and hunting duties until the young fledge, after 4–5 weeks. The family stays close together for a few weeks, up to a month or so, during which time the young learn how to fend for themselves and hunt prey. The young become sexually mature the next breeding season.
jconceicao, boreocypriensis, nasokoun, horia has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Marius,

Fantastic capture of this beautiful Common Kestel.
Colours light and definition are fantastic.

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 407 W: 0 N: 1011] (5460)
  • [2009-10-05 12:00]

Foarte frumoasa fotografie despre vinturel!

Hi Marius,

An excellent capture of this beautiful kestrel on wire -as an technological product- from nice POV with lovely pose.
TFS and cheers,

Bayram

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2388 W: 94 N: 5521] (17576)
  • [2009-10-05 12:41]

Hello Marius,
For the second time I see a wonderful photo from you today. Great clarity and natural colours in the photo. Excellent sharpness and details. Very nice pose, POV and composition.
Regards,
Peter

hello Marius
very beautiful moment,lucky to photograph these creatures,very fine output!
TFS thanks for sharing
Nasos

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 647 W: 15 N: 1589] (6203)
  • [2009-10-05 23:29]

Buna
Foarte bine surprinsa. Culori frumoase si detalii bune.
Numai bine
Razvan

Hi Marius

Good shot of this lovely raptor. Good composition and sharpness.

Chris

An awesome shot of this majestic bird, marius.
Bravo,
Goldy

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2172 W: 218 N: 4383] (14902)
  • [2009-10-15 6:19]

Buna Marius

Ce misto capttura! Mie mi-au placut intotdeauna soimii si deci imi face mare placere sa vad imagini asa de indeaproape cu ei.
Fotografia ta e impecabil de clara, cu detalii foarte misto pe subiect si cu acel fundal bleu foarte bine expus. Te-ai folosit foarte bine de lungimea focala mare si de acel aparat excelent - care la ISO200 nu pare sa aiba nici cel mai mic noise.
Lumina, culori, claritate...ce mai...ai de toate!

Bravo si merci de postare
Horia

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