American Kestrels are very common in Utah. I was able to get some amazing shots of a male American Kestrel, but I’ve hidden it below the fold because WARNING: THE PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC. So if you don’t want to see a kestrel eating a mouse, you can settle for this pretty picture of a female American Kestrel.
Okay, so here we go. I was able to walk almost directly underneath the kestrel because he was eating a mouse. Yum!
Normally when a birder posts a picture of a bird eating flesh, I freak out and wonder how they can take such delight in death. But THEN I saw it in person and was fascinated. It’s also a great picture to use for comparison between males and females. The females have wings that are brown with dark-brown barring – they have no grey coloring on their wings.
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The kestrel’s underparts have interesting coloring.
Here’s a front view of the female:
Moments after this was taken she took off, and whee!
Unlike Northern Harriers, American Kestrels find their food by hovering over an area. The structure of their wings allows them to manipulate the wind to aid in hovering without expending too much energy. So when you see kestrels, you will frequently see this:
Great pictures; interesting bar right across her behind. Fat mouse she caught too, lots of patience and work went into that.
Oh man, I love Kestrels! Great photos too. We had tons of them along my old road in PA; I love watching them hover. I thought they were the only raptors who could do that, but then I saw a White-tailed Kite doing the same thing (when I was in the RGValley in TX)! Very cool skill.
Great pictures as always! Must have been amazing to see in person.
I know, Tiffany! I love that bar. What’s the purpose?
Thanks Delia and Mary.