I got started on my morning bird count late today so it was quite warm as I sat in the shade on my balcony drinking green tea. The usual birds were hanging about: lesser goldfinches, house finches, a pair of Anna's hummingbirds and a few mourning doves. All in all it was fairly quiet in the yard with clear blue skies and rising temperatures. I knew we were headed for triple digits if not today, well, then tomorrow. I planned to spend the day indoors with the air conditioner running while I did housework. Reluctantly I put away my pen and notebook and reached for my binoculars and their case. As I turned to get out of my chair I suddenly saw a somewhat larger bird in the bare treetop that all the birds like to use as a lookout point. I had just seen a Say’s Phoebe there a few moments ago, but this was larger, though it was still bobbing its tail. With a rapidly beating heart I put my bins to my eyes and practically squealed with joy. A kestrel! Right here near my own yard! Since I did not have my camera with me, I just stayed and enjoyed the view. But when a second kestrel showed up, I decided it was time to go downstairs and get it! I’m not sorry I did! The birds stayed around for about 15 to 20 minutes, flying over my rooftop and landing on others. I never did manage to get a shot of both of them at once, but what a thrill it was, especially when one flew right in front of the balcony less than 10 feet from me!
And as if this was not enough of a show, when I came downstairs I found this waiting for me! A female Anna’s clinging to the wire of the my new hummingbird feeder!
What a way to start my day!
The American Kestrel is our smallest falcon with a gray back and a rufous tail which it will sometimes pump up and down while perched. The face has distinct dark marks that run down the sides similar to a Prairie Falcon or a Peregrine, but the Kestrel is much smaller and much more colorful, with the male being the most colorful of the pair. They eat mostly insects and small mammals.
Note: I have more birding adventures from September to post about but I wanted to post something current since this was so exciting!
Today’s Poem:
What a cool yard bird, Kathie! And to see two of them together, a great sighting. Wonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen!
DeleteNice, Kathie. Had a pair here a few weeks ago..a first for my yard list!! They hung around the area for a few days, but no pics:).
ReplyDeleteKaHolly, what a joy they are to see!
DeleteThe Kestrel was good for you to see Kathie, but I don't expect the other small birds were too happy about it.{:)
ReplyDeleteRoy, actually, some of them did not seem to mind! I was surprised!
Deletewow!! beautiful kestrel!! and lucky you...for planning ahead and having your camera with you!! if i go outside without mine, i'll invariably WISH i didn't forget it!! oh well.
ReplyDeletegreat shots!! and i love your hummer feeder...and hanger thingie...terrific hummer shot as well!
Laura, the same thing happens to me! LOL! I guess I should carry it with me everywhere but it does get a bit cumbersome at times!
DeleteHow fantastic to see kestrels in your yard and the little hummer looks cute on her new feeder!
ReplyDeleteDiane, thanks!
DeleteVery nice Kathie. Kestrels are such impressive birds, especially as they fly around letting out their kili-kili-kili call.
ReplyDeleteLaurence, I know. I love that sound!
DeleteLove the kestrels! I imagine the other birds disappeared when they showed up!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, so did;some didn't! It was fun to see them and I was so surprised when they stayed around for so long and flew right over my rooftop, over my head, and in front of the balcony!
DeleteSuch a special treat. Wonderful little and colorful rapture. I usually see them sitting on wires. Put on a good show for you.
ReplyDeleteGaelyn, yes they did!
DeleteLucky you! I don't see them very often. Wonderful shots!
ReplyDeleteHilke, I did not see them very often in MA either!
DeleteNice photos! It has always been very difficult for me to get good shots of kestrels, due to their size and lighting, and their always moving.
ReplyDeleteJann, following the bird's motion with your camera helps but sometimes they just fly too fast!
DeleteWow, these are really nice photos. You don't even have to go looking for birds, this time around.
ReplyDeleteSandy, NOPE!
DeleteWow!!!! You must have been excited. I love the first shot of the bright red/brown back. You have some great action going on in that backyard of yours. Hope you had a good day.
ReplyDeleteChris, thanks! It's always a good day when I start out with this kind of birding excitement!
DeleteHoly cannoli, that first photo of the Kestral in a dive is amazing, and really shows off his gorgeous (and appropriately Autumnal!) colors! Wonderful captures!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a sweet little hummingbird! I love your new feeder, and am sure it will be a very popular bistro. :-)
Laloofah, I was very pleased with that shot! I do love their colors and the hummingbirds continue to come to my feeders! Thank you!
DeleteHow exciting! Great captures of this beautiful kestrel and the little hummer photo was lovely! Off to check out your poem blog now :) Have a great day Kathie.
ReplyDeleteDenise, thank you for reading my poetry!
DeleteTerrific Kestrel photos! They are so fast it's hard to catch them mid flight!
ReplyDeleteDenappple, don't you know it!
DeleteImpressive bird and great pictures. I hope that hummer is staying somewhere safe.
ReplyDeleteGillian, it is! Thank you!
DeleteHow fortunate you were to see not just one, but two kestrels in your backyard! Cool captures! They are such beautiful birds. I love the little Anna's Hummingbird, too! Pretty feeder.
ReplyDeleteJulie, all these birds are so much fun to watch! And, the feeder was a gift from a friend. I finally found the perfect place for it and I just love it!
DeleteWhat a treat Kathie, I am so happy that the birds are beginning to learn where you live :)
ReplyDeleteCeleste, me too!
DeleteI TRY TO JOIN YOUR BLOG BUT IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO LET ME CONNECT. JUST LOVE YOUR BLOG. GRANNY FROM FLORIDA
ReplyDeleteGranny, I am so sorry! I wish I knew how to tell you what to do! Perhaps you can try again? Did you sign in or subscribe by email? Thank you for your visit!
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