First let me set the stage for what’s going on here.
This photo was taken several years ago on a snowy and foggy morning at Farmington Bay. It wasn’t particularly cold so the snow was wet and that caused significant problems for this feisty little female kestrel as she tried to enjoy her breakfast. Because of the dismal conditions for photography the image may not have universal appeal but that’s ok. I find it interesting and even amusing.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I found her on a rusty old pipe and trying very hard to partially de-feather an American Pipit before eating it but the wet conditions were confounding her. When she’d pull out a beak-full of feathers they would stick to her bill en masse. She repeatedly tried to shake them off her face but they were so clingy they stuck like glue.
So as a last resort she used her right foot to scrape them off her bill and even though many of the feathers then stuck to her foot the strategy worked pretty well. Here we see several feathers flying through the air after she dislodged them. Her foot isn’t very sharp because at this shutter speed it’s moving too fast to freeze the action.
Typically I’d delete most photos taken in conditions like this but I think this one shows interesting behavior and even the personality of the bird so I thought I’d share.
Ron
Fantastic shot!
thanks Ron, for all these behavior posts. It is so interesting to learn about the why’s and wherefores and just becauses. To add to the information are the magnificent photographs which may not be ‘perfect’ ( especially to you) but are wonderful to me ( and others.)
This one in particular has almost a painting feel to it. Then of course it is a gorgeous kestrel going about the business of living.
I have learned more about bird behavior from you, Ron than any guidebook, friend, or commentary that I could ever come across. Your observations and commentaries on bird behavior is invaluable to me. Your work in the field (as well as your obvious and incredible talent of photography) is immensely appreciated. I live in East Tennessee and will rarely come across some of your subjects, but when I do, it will be your photographs and observations that have put them in the right focus for me. With gratitude.
I can’t thank you enough for that thoughtful comment, Michele. You touched on several things that mean very much to me. Much appreciated!
…..and the dove that flew the coop…. 🙂
Yup…
PS: Loved the earlier series. And that the kestrel found somewhere to eat relatively safe from the weather. And the other disturbances.
I’m glad you enjoyed the other series, EC. That bird was determined to have at its meal.
A birds gotta do what a birds gotta do.
She doesn’t look impressed at the photographer. Ron Dudley, papparazzi to the avian stars…
Absolutely love this picture want to see rest of them
Here’s a dozen more of them, Marina.
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2013/12/22/a-resourceful-kestrel-and-an-unfortunate-pipit-in-the-snow/
Talk about sticking your foot in it! (So sorry, everyone…) 😛
Really interesting behavior shot. Not enough people give animals the credit they deserve for intelligence and ingenuity.
They can be pretty crafty in getting around obstacles of many kinds, Marty
Even my eyes can see that this is not the best photo, but I still like it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Kestrel or photo thereof that I haven’t liked, just because they are one of my very favorite birds. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them by watching behaviors and personality traits. It’s very difficult (IMHO) to not like Kestrels.
I agree, Susan. As feisty as they are who doesn’t love kestrels?
Wonderful behavioral shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Hi Ron,
Wonderful image, as always. And, for some reason it reminds me of trying to unwrap presents from a certain member of the family…😀
Cheers,
Dick
Sounds like there’s a story there, Dick – a fun one, except maybe for you… 🙂
Love this feisty girl. Thank you for sharing this one!!
Thanks, Linda.
Great shot Ron!
A tad different prey item then I’m used to here in the East.
Thanks for sharing!
Dick, it isn’t common prey for them here either. Thanks.
That does look like quite a struggle! Obviously worth it and glad you shared this photo! 🙂 +1 this morning with a little breeze – winter is here!
Thanks, Judy. +21 here in SLC right now – a heat wave compared to you!
Glad you shared this image Ron! What a great story it shows! It you did not tell that she is perched on a rusty old pipe I would of thought it was a tree branch!
I guess it does resemble a branch in some ways, Nancy.
My favorite bird! I love this photo because the meal is so different than what I see our local American Kestrel eats. She sits in a field just 5 minutes away and the most I ever see her eat are crickets and grasshoppers!
Marlo, It’s interesting what kestrels eat at different locations and varying times of the year. For most of the year our kestrels eat mostly voles with a few insects as appetizers but during winter they seem to eat significantly more small birds than at other times.