American Kestrel
Falco sparvertius
Oct. 21, 2012
 



Earlier in the week, while at Jo Hays Vista to watch the fall hawk/eagle migration, I photographed two kestrels interacting with one another.

Normally, kestrels zoom past, darting from side to side, at high speed, making them a challenge to photograph. Consequently, I enjoyed the extended view of the kestrels fighting or playing. Hard to say which, but the extended view was great.

I wish they were closer though. That would have really made my day.

Note in the first photo, the kestrel on the left is flying upside-down.

 
Two kestrels, one upside-down
 
  Next is a straightforward chase scene.  
 
Two kestrels, pursuit
 
  Finally, the two kestrels are circling each other back to back.  
 
Two kestrels, back to back
 
  The last photo dates back to the end of September, when I had a good view of an incoming kestrel.  
 
Incoming kestrel
 
  The Latin for American kestrel is Falco sparvertius, which is somewhat closer to its alternative name: sparrow hawk. The kestrel, incidentally, is the smallest North American falcon, no larger and probably smaller than a mourning dove.

Photo note: On October 16, 2012, I used a Pentax K20D, with the Sigma 150-500mm lens, for the first three photos; the fourth was from September 28.




My Pennsylvania bird list

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