Hunter on the land

[British Red]

 

[wingstoo]

I'll be the knave...

LS

 

[sandbender]

Fantastic photo!

What is it? a kestrel?

 

[British Red]

Yep male kestrel(blue grey head is a male - the females are brown headed)

 

[sandbender]

Yep male kestrel(blue grey head is a male - the females are brown headed)

I never knew that, thanks.

It isn't a bird that I've seen in Scotland, apparently they can be found over here so perhaps I'll have more luck now.

 

[British Red]

Lots of luck in the hunt - they are beautiful little birds - here's a couple more from today that may help you identify

The brown and blue grey can be seen clearly in this "headless" shot

He was headless because of the classic "hover and head down stare" posture holding him still in the air

Good luck!

Red

 

[Gailainne]

I never knew that, thanks.

It isn't a bird that I've seen in Scotland, apparently they can be found over here so perhaps I'll have more luck now.

I'm surprised you've never seen them here, its one of the most common birds you'll see on the motorways, other than the usual, crows etc, although there are more and more Buzzards appearing.

Did'nt know about the colour difference tho, cheers for that Red.

Edit Red what lense are you using for these photos , I know you have a canon, is it the 100-400 zoom ?

Stephen

 

[seany boy]

Lovelly pics BR....... I've always had a soft spot for Raptors, and as kid's a friend and I found a badly injured Kestrel that had unfortunately lost a wing.

Anyone remember the film "Kes"?..........

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kes-David-Bradley-II/dp/B00007DWR1

 

[JonnyP]

Your getting some great action shots there Red....

 

[British Red]

I bunked off today to have a day alone with the skylarks - the rest was a bonus

 

[Dougster]

I've lost count of the number of times I've almost had a crash on my way home from work watching one of these work. Beautiful creatures.

I wish I could take a pic like that.

 

[hedgepig]

Nice one Red.

The other distinguishing feature of the male is the black band on the tail. The kestrel is one of my favourite raptors. Fabulously delicate birds when you see them up close.

Their Latin name is Falco tinnunculus - which means "little bell ringer".