Okay, before I go any farther, some of you be wondering about Part II of my Yakkety-Sax Man story. Never fear, it is being written as we speak. Look for it Sunday, July 20. In the meantime, if you haven’t read Part I, click here.
Now here is today’s post:
They are here. The Summer Doldrums, soon to be followed by the Dog Days of August. I don’t know why, but I always get a little restless this time of year. The Spring Migration is over, now it is hurry up and wait for the reverse Fall Migration.
Which brings me to the subject of what to write about during this period. It’s not that there isn’t birds out there, but they seem to be in the same mood as me. They just don’t want to get out and be photographed. I guess I need a new venue and some new birds. But since I don’t have either today, I guess I will just show some of my favorite image of that lovable, cute, feisty American Kestrel. Click on any image to see an enlargement.
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
American Kestrel
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Having just held an American kestrel (you’ve seen the pics!) I can appreciate them even more now. How beautiful! I must admit I prefer to see them in the wild, like all birds.
Yes, I was so envious of you getting to hold one. They are so beautiful. Thanks for your compliments, Jo.
Wonderful pictures! I’m another who’s given up on photographing Kestrels, though I wish I could have gotten a few shots of one on my road this week — he was being mobbed by Barn Swallows, and as he took off I could see he had a swallow in his talons.
Why give up, Naomi? Keep trying and soon, voila!, you’ll get the shot. I appreciate your compliments, though. 🙂
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Thank you very much. Let me think about your invitation.
Sounds good!
It would drive followers and traffic to your site as you can post a link to your blog under the photo.
You will also retain full copyright on the photos you post.
These are delightful birds..your photos are so crisp and clear with beautiful color..Summer is slow at the feeders right now..thanks for always sharing something fabulous..
Thanks, Syl. I appreciate you nice words. 🙂
Bob,
Kestrels can always brighten my day and yours did, thank you
Thank you, Mia. Nice to hear from you again.
Super photos Bob…I love these little guys. I enjoy watching them hover…and then dive for their prey.
P.S. the shot of the Kestrel in flight is fantastic!
Thanks, Dave, for both of those comments. It is one of favorite small hawks.
Very nice shots Bob! 🙂
Thanks, H.J.
what a pretty bird, nice photos, I see them around here but they never sit still long enough to get close enough to see their colors.
Thanks, Roberta. I agree that they don’t sit very long.
I think the Kestrel looks like one of those “catch me if you can” birds. But the chase is worth it. Love this series. Hang in there. hugs
I think you nailed it, Beth, but as you say, the chase is worth it. Thanks.
Bob,
Those are great images of the Kestrel. And I have always found that the Kestrel is one of those birds that don’t let you get very close. I always creep up slowly, either in the car or on foot, and just when I think I am close enough to get a half-decent picture, it up and flies off to a spot a littler further away. And I keep repeating this process over and over again. So I really appreciate the pics you are showing us here. Thanks.
I agree with you completely, Dave. Those images were taken over the course of several years. I can’t remember one that I didn’t have to put on a merry chase to get the final photograph. Thanks for the compliments.
I love that little kestrel, he is so beautiful and you have done a masterful job of photographing, i will have to wait until August and the fall migration over Hawk Ridge in Duluth to see my kestrels, thanks Bob MJ
Thanks for your nice words, MJ. I really appreciate them.