Everything is Permuted

Tales of a South Downs fox... and other ramblings

Kestrel feeding

Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:29:33 PM

We were about 400 yards from the end of a five mile walk through the Downs today when we came across a lone kestrel perched on a fence post. We approached slowly. It flew down to post further along. This happened a couple of times, but each time I managed to get a little closer. What follows comes with a caution if you're squeamish. This is just a small selection.

Kestrel on a fence post

It darted down on to the path ahead of us. It had something at its feet.

It looked up. I froze.

And then to my astonishment it started to feed.

I think the prey may be a mouse.

Not easy to tell what it has though.

Whatever it is, it certainly stretches...

Finishing off...

And away

Peregrine FalconAnd then there were three (cubs)

Comments

Darkogdare Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:38:31 PM

What an opportunity!!! And kestrel froze too, probably he thought you will try to take his food away from him :-)

Adele BrandSittingFox Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:46:01 PM

Great pictures! Not sure what the prey is either confused At the UEA the kestrels hunt rabbit kits but this looks somewhat smaller.

Words Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:53:16 PM

I wondered about a young rabbit. Very possible given their numbers.

Anonymous Sunday, June 17, 2007 10:26:14 PM

Mick macey writes: Brilliant sequence of shots, they may be 1 of our more common raptors, but they still give great entertainment. Mick

Andy WilsonDudley Monday, June 18, 2007 2:55:47 AM

Great captures!

Anonymous Monday, June 18, 2007 5:54:11 AM

Zachary writes: A serendipitous sequence!! I like the photo where the kestrel is reeling up to get the stringy piece to seperate.

Mark JonesFlying Red Fox Blog Monday, June 18, 2007 8:03:45 AM

They are fantastic shots, well done bigsmile You should put some on the springwatch website they will love them too!

Words Monday, June 18, 2007 8:45:59 PM

Thanks! It was fascinating to watch and that stretchy one is one of my favourites as well!

I'll take a look over at Springwatch. I've not been there this year. Thanks for the pointer Mark.

Words Monday, June 18, 2007 10:56:30 PM

Just a quick update. From another site I post on the suggestion is that the prey is a vole, one of the kestrel's staple food sources.

Richardmusickna Tuesday, June 19, 2007 12:31:32 AM

Beautiful photostory! Must have been fascinating to watch. smile

Anonymous Wednesday, June 20, 2007 12:33:41 PM

Silvershark writes: Wow what a great set of photos! Talk about being in the right place at the right time! :D

saito Saturday, June 23, 2007 12:01:54 AM

Thanks for the great pictures!

Louisvolkuro Saturday, June 23, 2007 2:54:46 AM

Wow! Well done up

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