I was going to call this entry 'Or Kestrel Manouevres in the Park', but you'll see why I changed my mind in moment. I was over at the local valley area and I had a feeling it would be a good day, despite the dull weather, when I saw a stoat cross the path ahead of me. Too quick to photograph, but a nice sighting lasting less than second! Then the kestrels appeared. First it was fairly standard fare (kestrel in flight) but I took numerous photos most of which are like the one in the link.
I then headed to the south of the valley where I'd seen the fox on recent visits. Nothing doing today, but a kestrel was hunting along one of the banks. One of the joys of downland is the slopes which, if things work in your favour, means you can often be at about eye-level with a bird in flight. I've put a handful of shots in the Kestrel 2009 album, but I think these two are my favourites of the bunch. The kestrel has been hovering, and is at the start of its swoop. A moment later it dropped out of view and then emerged with a vole (sorry, no shot of that).
By this time the sky was darkening and I headed back in the direction of the car. It was beginning to drizzle as I crossed one of the banks I call 'Rabbit Alley' (there's nearly always a large gathering in a narrow strip between undergrowth and grass). I glanced along the strip and saw this:
That was a grab-shot, but I kept still, sorted out the camera, and watched… These are some highlights.
She went off empty-jawed this time…
Or did she?
The skies then opened so I don't know the outcome of the final shot. I suspect that the rabbit got away, but somehow I don't think the vixen would have been too concerned.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, supported by the Manfrotto 685B Neotec monopod and 234RC tilt head
16 Comments
Wow lovelly phptps of the Kestrel and Vixen :yes: She probably did catch a Rabbit i think. 😛
Iam off to Brighton Marina today with my PHAB Club to go sailing, hope the weather will be nice. 😀
Don't think she would miss her lunch that day 😉 Rabbit Alley is a wonderful name for her hunting area.
There are enough rabbits to feed a dozen of foxes :eyes:
the colour of the fox is so vivid! it makes it look like his victory is certain!… poor rabbit. The Kestrel is amazing and looking at the glide inclines me to find some paper and make an airplane!
Wow, marvellous shots of the vixen and rabbits – just superb! Somehow I don't think she stood much of a chance without the element of surprise though, unless there were any young kits about.
The kestrel is beautiful too.
Jill, thanks. The kestrel was just wonderfully placed (apart from facing the wrong way!). The fox was hardly inconspicuous, and I'm sure she did fine.
Anna, yes I think she does ok there. Plenty of food on the shelves :whistle:
Darko, absolutely. And I'm sure there's a healthy fox population as a result.
Mark, thanks, and yes I'm fairly sure she'll have caught a rabbit before the evening was out. I hope you had some decent weather today. It was ok around lunchtime, but hasn't been too promising through the afternoon.
Adele thanks. I don't think she was hunting too seriously. It's odd but the rabbits in this part of the valley are all very healthy. About quarter of a mile or so away (where I've seen the male recently) it's completely different and they are just about all cursed with mixie (and presumably that much easier to hunt).
It was nice for a few hours but too rough to leave the Marina. I was advised not to take the camera out so used my mobile phone camera instead.
At least the rain stopped for a while. 🙂
Oh gosh yes, I forgot all about the wind. The Marina itself is fairly well sheltered, but beyond it gets pretty rough. This shot has the Marina in the background (taken in January).
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Wow it was almost like that! :yikes: good thing we stayed in the harbour then. 😛
Yes, I don't recall seeing too many boats out that day!
Thanks! That was a good day, that was 😉
Two sets of great behavioural shots. Nice one