American Kestrel
There has been an American Kestrel hunting in the fields on the eastern side of the property. He dips and dives and hovers in the air with his wing color shades of brown and black, he is not much bigger than a robin. We see him dipping and sometimes diving as he seemingly hovers for long minutes watching for grasshoppers or mice or any other insect or small rodent he can spot and snatch away quickly. We have gotten a good look at him and his face has vertical black lines all around his head. It is as if he wears a mask, but he is easily recognizable in flight because Kestrels have a unique hover that you cannot mistake. Kestrels hover for long periods of time watching for their dinner. I never see them catch from the air but they also land on the ground as if waiting for something to grab, so perhaps that is how they catch their dinner. This one likes to rest on our blue spruce in the pasture. He has been here nearly a week, at least that is how long we have noticed his presence. We have not seen him actually catch any prey, but he must because he is strong in flight and very healthy looking. He has given us some new entertainment at Coteua Valley Farm and we are readily enjoying him. I did get a shot of him from a distance with the camera. I hope he will stay around all summer as he is thrilling to watch as he hunts for the many small meals in the fields around the farm.
Coteau des Prairies
South Dakota Hobby Farm
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