Allotments 4 All

Arrived at the plot at 8am this morning and a Kestrel was perched on the shed next door. He flew off on my arrival but about 20 mins later saw him hovvering overhead, before swooping down to a plot near mine and then rose up with a small vole or similar in its talons. He then sat on the shed next door again and ate his breakfast. Fantastic spectacle and worth getting up for, no wonder I get nothing done now what was I supposed to be doing again???
Regards
Chris
PS Two Green Woodpeckers then flew over.

Oh I think Kestrels are superb birds and I too enjoy watching them.  They like to sit on the wires beside the roads then hover over an unsuspecting vole for their tea!!!  At least they are not so partial to Blackbirds!!!

:D :D :D

Hi Chris,hi Carol.

Not ever having seen a Kestrel that close before,was amazed at how colourful they are when you do see them up close. I had thought they were  a dreary browny beige colour.  No way!

Ooo Heldi, grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat picture!  So sharp! Now Chris, could you send your kestrel over to my plot please as he could breakfast, lunch and tea on the family of voles that have set up home on my plot!

EJ
Not sure if I could catch him even if I wanted to with that beak?
However I could always leave him some directions to your site?
Chris

The one in the pic's a male; the females are larger, and as has been said, rather dull brown.

Lady Kestrels don't have grey heads.

Can't believe I haven't posted in this thread before as Kessies are one of my faves.  Go and watch them reguarly as we have a pair down at the river where I walk the dog.  I get to see young ones every year learning how to hunt.  I also have a thing that if I see one on the way to work then it is going to be a good day.

Dear to my heart they are.

I am sorry I have just picked up on this thread.
Carol about kestrels and crows, we had a kestrel at our site sometime around September. We used to watch him whilst we had a cup of tea. The crows did not like him and used to have fight in mid air with him and they have driven him away. Pity! I would much rather watch a kestrel than a crow any day.

Rosemary

Typical crow behaviour is to wait until a kestrel has lifted off with prey and then to harrass it until it drops it.  The crows then nick the prey.  Says it all really but I still like all the crows as well.  Well, as Mr E once said:

I can't look at the rocket launch
The trophy wives of the astronauts
And I won't listen to their words
'Cause I like
Birds

I don't care for walkin' down town
Crazy auto car gonna mow me down
Look at all the people like cows in a herd
Well I like
Birds

If you're small
And on a search
I've got a feeder for you to perch on

I can't stand in line at the store
The mean little people are such a bore
But it's all right if you act like a turd
'Cause I like
Birds

If you're small
And on a search
I've got a feeder for you to perch on

If you're small
And on a search
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
If you're small
And on a search
I've got a feeder for you to perch on
I've got a feeder for you to perch on