Female American Kestrel
This has been one great late fall stretch for raptors for me. Not coincidentally, it has also been a poor stretch for passerines during my survey work, with very little of note apart from common and expected species in low numbers. Snowy Owls, Northern Harriers, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks have all been providing some great looks or photos. The unfortunately uncommon American Kestrel has even cooperated with this female being seen semi-regularly at Stratford Point. Her she is perched on the flagpole at the lighthouse before zipping off. I...
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
This is a terrific time of year to spot American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) heading south and making their way through the sky and farmlands of places like our own Chautauqua County. They will need place to stop and feed along the way, hunting all the songbirds also migrating through the region as well as dragonflies. There are so many birds passing over our heads right now – don’t forget to look up!
Read MoreAmerican Kestrel
The month of October is always a great time to find plenty of American Kestrels passing through, with this male sporting some shades of Halloween. They are often rather shy but sometimes, if you let them fly to you after chasing some prey, you will be able to get a decent look even if only for a minute. These predators will go after birds but can usually be found foraging on abundant insects like grasshoppers or even the praying mantis here in the fall.
Read MoreFlicker vs. Kestrel
Feathered friends! Ehhhh…not so much. These boys were not getting along as well as this photo may suggest. The Northern Flicker was slowly chasing the American Kestrel while I looked on in the early morning. Amazingly, despite their relative sizes, Kestrels will prey on Flickers. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreSpring Migration Time!
Spring is finally here and new birds are arriving each day. One species that has already returned from their wintering grounds is the Osprey. They rejoin us each March after a very long journey as their winter quarters can be as far away as southern sections of South America. Audubon volunteers from the Menunkatuck Audubon Society have been hard at work for many years to ensure that their homes are sound and waiting for them when they arrive. The return of the Osprey highlights one of the great conservation success stories of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the 1940’s there...
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