in

Love ItLove It

Kestrel vs Hawk ~ Day 122

I have been watching the pair of bluebirds decide if they want to build in my backyard bluebird house. Sparrows are a deterrent right now but eventually the bluebirds will win. I saw something yesterday for the first time since I started bluebirding many years ago. I see red tailed hawks and kestrels flying all the time in a nearby field. Looking for rodents and other food. But they never come any closer.

Yesterday I looked out and there was what I believe to be an American Kestrel perched on the bluebird house. I panicked. They are beautiful but predators to the bluebirds. And still am not sure if it was the hawk or the kestrel. Either way, it was not a good sign. I could not see him up close to identify his beak, claws and tail. Even though the bluebirds have not made it their home yet, it was a reminder of what I have always read about. The hawks and kestrels both eat birds and the babies. It was huge. And before I could get the camera, he had flown into a nearby tree. This was the best shot I could get. I hope he stays in the field from now on.

©CarolDM2018

I am continuing with the 365 Photos Challenge and I am now on Day 122.

Report

What do you think?

Written by Carol DM

19 Comments

  1. The cover is not visible, but when you open the post, she is there. This is a great moment you’ve captured. I think it’s a hawk.

    1
  2. It’s crazy isn’t it. It doesn’t seem like it is consistent at all. Some people it seems to work for but not you and I. I am beginning to really wonder.