Wave of Kestrels

Few birds inspire as many descriptive words as the American Kestrel. 'Charismatic' is certainly one of them.

Kestrel in flight

During April an unusual number of migratory Kestrels visited Halibut Point. On one occasion at least six of them gathered in a tree near the Park entrance. When disturbed they exploded into rapid synchronous flight that resembled a flock of swallows, swept-winged, sunlight glinting from their white bellies.

Perched on the ridge of the barn

The Kestrels in temporary residence were particularly drawn to hunting perches around the meadow, scanning for insect prey and small birds.

Perched on a treetop

Diminutive, colorful, and boldly patterned, Kestrels might be seen as 'cute' when waiting quietly on a conspicuous perch.

Male Kestrel atop a utility pole

They are often more visible and approachable than other members of the falcon family.

Female Kestrel overhead

The sexes are similarly marked, but males are particularly striking with slate-blue wings alongside the chestnut plumage on their backs, and speckled rather than the streaked breasts of the females.

Descending into the meadow

The American Kestrel is our smallest falcon. It is swift enough to catch large insects such as dragonflies, and small birds and mammals. This week it was also finding grubs in the grass.

Ascending to the treetops

Like other raptors it has superb eyesight and maneuverability. The sparrows that customarily foraged in the meadow stayed out of sight while the Kestrels were present. The field was eerily quiet.

Kestrel on the shoreline

Kestrels also flew up and down the open coastline, hunting on the wing.

Plucking feathers

This female took her prey to a rocky promontory to prepare the victim for consumption. Kestrels are 'fierce' in their necessary lifestyle.

Poised for another sortie

The Kestrels that passed through our area so abundantly this year have dispersed to scattered destinations on the continent. Local song birds are relieved. Bird watchers may be ambivalent about the Kestrels predatorial impact, but all of us marvel at their 'elegance' in the airways over Halibut Point.