Common Kestrel : Falco tinnunculus

Captured this beautiful bird of prey today whilst at Horseshoe Lake Hants
The first picture shows him sitting on a fence post.
The second shows him as he has seen some thing and positioning him self to go into the third picture showing him actually hovering

The male (or tercel) Kestrel has black-spotted chestnut brown upper parts, and a blue-grey head and tail. The tail has a single black bar at the tip. Underneath, the breast and belly are buff coloured with black spots.

Length32-50cm12-20" Wingspan60-80cm24-32" Weight140-310g5-11oz

Great captures Chocky, they are beautiful birds and we don't often get to see them up close. :)

Thank you Rolf.
I'm thinking shall I put the first pic in the Wellenkamp forum

Wow Chocky, superb, especially the first one 10/10. Most beautiful capture showing detail and colour I am so envious. Well done:biggrin(2)::banana(1):

Thanks Babs.
I had to treck through 4 feet high nettles and thistle and try to keep from bobbing to get close enough. my poor calves are all ripped and l crated but it was worth it. Took 122 shots before he flew off. one or two were blurred but most were good . Made a video of him too. will upload it tomorrow when I get home

Well you've done really well Chocky, I didn't realise how beautiful they were, I must add a Kestral to my wish list.

Hope you heal soon Chocks:)

Beautiful, and great that you got the different stages. Well done!

Thank you Louise
I was so pleased too.
In the video he's just sitting but he is looking around so his head and body can be seen in different positions.

Excellent shots there Chocky, you must have been very patient to get them:)

Lol. So was some else who was with me and thanks go to him for pointing the bird out to me. :acclaim:

How are your legs now ? :)

Still all scathed and scared but the hurt has gone. :-lmao
Thank you for asking.:)