Kestrels at Sheepcote Valley

By Words | Published October 6, 2010

Today was the perfect antidote to the recent rain, and I took advantage of the sun to head over to Sheepcote Valley and the kestrels. Several were out hunting in the mid-afternoon and led me a merry trail across the valley.
Kestrel with a small flock of goldfinches

I eventually caught up with them. A pair were hovering over a grassy bank. The light was good (i.e. behind me), the grass was dry. Ideal conditions.

Back in the garden I've had little success with the foxes. They have been appearing on the trailcam, so I know they're around. Autumn always seems a tricky time of year. They become more active in preparation for winter and so while the theory is they are easier to spot (they are in more places than usual), in practice it means they are ranging over wider territories (and less likely to show up where you expect). The wet weather hasn't helped either. It doesn't bother the foxes too much, but I don't like standing out in the rain trying to keep the camera dry!

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Camera note: all kestrel shots taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. The retreating fox was taken with the EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

This entry was posted in Bird of Prey and tagged , .

14 Comments

  1. anonymous October 7, 2010 at 8:10 am #

    Anonymous writes:

    Beautiful pictures.

  2. anonymous October 7, 2010 at 9:10 am #

    Crafty Green Poet writes:

    amazing photos, well captured!

    Juliet
    Crafty green Poet
    http://craftygreenpoet.blogspot.com

  3. gdare October 7, 2010 at 2:10 pm #

    Very elegant birds!!!

  4. SittingFox October 8, 2010 at 2:10 am #

    Love the final shot! The kestrels are great, as always. I haven't seen any American kestrels on this trip so far. Though I did see a bald eagle today :whistle:

  5. Words October 9, 2010 at 11:10 am #

    Adele, I imagine you've got some fabulous sightings that you'll be revealing on your return.

  6. Words October 9, 2010 at 11:10 am #

    Darko, they're great to watch, and yes very elegant in flight.

  7. Words October 9, 2010 at 11:10 am #

    Juliet, thanks!

  8. Words October 9, 2010 at 11:10 am #

    Thanks Erwin!

  9. studio41 October 11, 2010 at 4:10 am #

    what a post! I enjoyed the stellar shots of the kestrels. and number 3 was so nicely composed! would be nicely framed!

  10. Words October 11, 2010 at 11:10 pm #

    Jill, thanks! I'm glad you liked the third shot. Managing some solid background always adds something to the moment. He'd just dropped down to the ground and I caught that shot as he took to the air again.

  11. Ukwildlife October 12, 2010 at 9:10 pm #

    great kestrel pics!

  12. Words October 12, 2010 at 10:10 pm #

    Neil, thanks!

  13. studio41 October 15, 2010 at 6:10 am #

    Originally posted by Words:

    Managing some solid background always adds

    yes, it does!

  14. Wulpen October 19, 2012 at 8:10 pm #

    A great set of pict