Kestrels at Sheepcote Valley

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!

Nature Blog Network
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.

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This Post Has 14 Comments

  1. anonymous

    7 Oct 2010

    Anonymous writes:

    Beautiful pictures.

  3. gdare

    7 Oct 2010

    Very elegant birds!!!

  4. SittingFox

    8 Oct 2010

    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

    9 Oct 2010

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

  6. Words

    9 Oct 2010

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

  7. Words

    9 Oct 2010

    Juliet, thanks!

  8. Words

    9 Oct 2010

    Thanks Erwin!

  9. studio41

    11 Oct 2010

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

  10. Words

    11 Oct 2010

    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

    12 Oct 2010

    great kestrel pics!

  12. Words

    12 Oct 2010

    Neil, thanks!

  13. studio41

    15 Oct 2010

    Originally posted by Words:

    Managing some solid background always adds

    yes, it does!

  14. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    A great set of pict

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