Just a short sequence today, of a kestrel at the edge of Castle Hill (a local nature reserve).

Kestrel eating a bush cricket on the wing at Castle Hill, East Sussex

Kestrel in flight taking a sneaky glance in my direction

Kestrel fence-posting at Castle Hill, East Sussex

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

A blazing hot afternoon, and a mini-trek over Sheepcote Valley in search of kestrels. They made it easy. I spotted the first one as I drove in to the empty(!) car park. It was perched on the fence, having hopped over from the road side as I drove in. There’s an odd colour cast on this shot, but I like the business of it all, and it was the first shot of the day.

Male kestrel perched on wooden post at the Sheepcote Valley car park

This next one is altogether more conventional…

Kestrel in flight under blue sky

It was out hunting, and between perches picked up a small snack (a speckled bush cricket, I think).

Kestrel at with speckled bush cricket

Kestrel eating

The young male eventually flew off into the distance. A female then appeared, perched along the fencing that runs between the fields and the local golf course.

Female kestrel at Sheepcote Valley

Brown on beige

Note the brown head (as opposed to the grey of the male)

Kestrel cruising over the golf course at Sheepcote Valley

The heat got to me. I headed back to the car. Andthere he was again. The young male perched on a street lamp.

Kestrel perched on street lamp

Back to watching from a handy perch

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