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American Kestrel Falco sparvertius | Oct. 21, 2012 |
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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. |
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Next is a straightforward chase scene.
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Finally, the two kestrels are circling each other back to back.
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The last photo dates back to the end of September, when I had a good view of an incoming kestrel.
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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. |