There are three different kestrels in these images, all are stunning birds and easy to distinguish from each other. ‘Flying free’ seems like the right theme for this week’s post, as regular readers will understand.
Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) – male
1/1250, f7.1, ISO 800
~
The kestrel above is a delightfully scruffy looking male. His feathers are worn, his head is grey and the markings on his back are subtle. He was searching for food above ocean cliffs where he was buffeted by the salty winds.
Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) – female
1/1250, f7.1, ISO 800
~
The female kestrel, above and below, has feathers that look in pristine condition. She was hunting alongside the male in the first image but flew further along the cliff, away from the spray.
Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) – female
1/1250, f7.1, ISO 800
~
Female kestrels have more rufous colouring particularly on their tails and heads along with more distinct black markings on their tails and backs; this can be clearly by comparing the above images of the male and female. She is a magnificent looking bird. I like that she dropped down in search of prey until the background became paddocks and scrub.
Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)
1/2500, f6/3, ISO 800
~
The image above was taken on a different day. I initially thought it was a male but the light shining through its tail shows dark bars other than the well-defined black band so I think it’s a female. Sometimes kestrels seem to pause for a moment before pouncing on their prey, at other times they drop with such incredible speed that it’s hard to believe they don’t injure themselves.
Happy birding
Kim
UPDATES
Birdlife Australia Photography Group’s Digital Photography in the Bush is coming up in March – Details and registration information
The duck shooting season is due to start in March, the duck rescue team would welcome new volunteers – Coalition Against Duck Shooting
~ thank you for visiting and commenting
~ if you would like to join the subscribers receiving a weekly email when lirralirra is updated, please use the ‘subscribe’ box above right
Wow what amazing images! The one landing is my favourite, I would love to have that on my wall!
My apologies for not answering your comment sooner. I like the backlit effect of that image too. I’m sure we arrange for one to be on your wall : )
Thank you for your clear explanations Kim accompanied by excellent photos.
Thank you Suzanne for your kind comment
Lovely, informative series, Kim. I’ve been too busy to get out with the camera recently, but these photos certainly inspire me to make time if I can. Many thanks!
Oh Neil, I hope you soon get the chance to get out and about with your camera, you must be missing it.
Long may they fly free. Carrying our hearts with them.
And hugs to you.
Thank you EC. It’s good to have you back.
Always love your informative posts and understand the symbolism of as you say they are a free spirit. 🙂
We both share a love of nature and life, for all it is not infinite. Enjoy the beauty while we can, and cherish the good times of our past with friends and family.
That is a powerful and beautifully worded comment Gary, thank you.
Nice work getting the kestrels in flight. Number 3 is my favorite; the one with the dark background.
Thanks David, it’s always interesting to hear about favourites. I like that one too. I think the first shot looks like a faded 70s photograph which is interesting because it was taken at the same time, it must be due to the clouds and the amount of salt spray in the air.