| Actual Image
On The Lookout (44)
dkaved
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 266 W: 18 N: 433]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (2106) | This is my first image with my new lens - "Nikon 70-300 VR" and I must say I'm pretty happy with it.
Now making a habit of going down at least once a week into the woods by my house and it was also there that I noticed this chap. It was causing quite a commotion on its lookout on top of a pine tree as it seemed to have its eye on some young grouse on the ground.Not so good at distinguishing birds of prey....I think it is a Kestrel by its colours and size.
Kestrel
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The name kestrel is given to several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behaviour which is to hover at a height of around 10–20 m over open country and swoop down on prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects. Other falcons are more adapted to active hunting on the wing.
Kestrels require a slight headwind in order to hover, hence a local name of windhover for Common Kestrel.
Plumage typically differs between male and female, and (as is usual with monogamous raptors) the female is slightly larger than the male. This allows a pair to fill different feeding niches over their home range. Kestrels are bold and have adapted well to human encroachment, nesting in buildings and hunting by major roads.
Kestrels do not build their own nests, but use nests built by other species. |
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