Kestrel at Watts House

Sometimes it’s better to stay put, but that’s a lesson I learnt after I clambered all the way up here in search of the local kestrels.

I got back to work (exercised, but with no sightings to report) to discover that a kestrel had been seen on Watts Bank (the patch of green just outside Watts House, my new location at work). Apparently it had been out hunting, and – presumably – feeding! later in the day I glanced out of my window, and sure enough it was back. This first shot was taken through a narrow gap from my desk (the windows don’t open very wide).

By the look of it, it’s a youngster, quite small and without the distinctive adult markings on the head and face. I popped outside briefly to get a slightly better shot.

This is going to encourage me to stay put if the weather holds, so that I get more time to get a little closer and see what other wildlife the area is home to. There are certainly lizards (though I’ve not seen them, and it’s getting a touch cold for them to venture out), plus slow worms. And chiffchaffs! It should be a good spot for butterflies as well.

For now though, having a local kestrel is a definite plus!

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.