Stretching Male American Kestrel In A Russian Olive

He sure seems to like this tree…

Stretching male American Kestrel in a Russian Olive – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

On the 3rd of December I spotted a small, colorful shape from a distance in a Russian Olive tree and knew immediately that I had found a male American Kestrel. As it turns out this little falcon appears to like perching in this tree and I have re-located him in it on other trips up to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this past month.

While I was at Farmington Bay WMA on Christmas Day I found and photographed a female American Kestrel in a Russian Olive in really poor lighting conditions. Finding the female kestrel reminded me that I hadn’t yet shared any photos of the male kestrel that I found at Bear River MBR so here he is stretching in an olive tree next to the Bear River.

The setting is cluttered and some folks might find that distracting but for me he stands out well enough and I actually don’t mind all the leaves and branches.

Each time I head to Bear River MBR now I look for this handsome and colorful male kestrel in the same general area because there is a chance I might find him on a better, more open perch near this olive tree. There is an open field across the road that looks like it would provide plenty of opportunities for him to capture prey. I will keep watching for this little falcon when I head north.

Snow fell last night in the Salt Lake Valley as a wickedly strong squall hit the area and this morning the ground is white. I’m hoping to go to my local ponds to look for birds this morning even though there are heavy gray clouds hanging overhead. With snow on the ground reflecting what little light there might be I feel confident I could come home with some nice images if I find some birds down there.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species.