The American kestrel, a small and flashy falcon found coast to coast, has experienced a sharp decline in population. This decline is particularly concerning as birds of prey in North America are generally considered a conservation success story. While species like bald eagles and red-tailed hawks have thrived, the American kestrel has faced a puzzling […]
Tag: American Kestrel
What Is Causing the Perplexing Decline of the American Kestrel?
On a chilly, overcast December morning in North Texas, a car prowls a pitted dirt road. The occupants are straining forward, looking intently at the sky. “Kestrel!” says Maddy Kaleta from the passenger seat, pointing to a tiny black blob on a power line ahead. She whips out binoculars and confirms the bird isn’t banded. […]
These Amazing Images Show How Good Bird Camouflage Can Be
Whether they are the hunter or the hunted, a bird’s camouflage is vital to survival. For raptors and other predators, blending in is key to surprising their prey. Meanwhile, for birds that don’t want to become someone else’s meal, the less conspicious you are, the better. Camouflage is also important for many nesting birds, who […]
13th Annual Sanibel Lighthouse Hawk Watch
The Sanibel Lighthouse Hawk Watch with Vince McGrath has been an anticipated event for a number of years prior to leaving the state of Florida for what you might not believe a move of mine to the great white north. The Osprey above (image 1) was photographed at the Sanibel Island […]
Saw-whet Owl!
One of the only things I love more than the Chicago Cubs is the Black-capped Chickadee, and Saturday, the Cubs and chickadees conspired to bring me some magical Karma when I led a bird walk for Hawk Ridge Observatory along Duluth’s Western Waterfront Trail. It was warm for early March—it didn’t freeze the night before, […]
Halconcito colorado (American Kestrel) Falco sparverius
Regresando del Club Refugio Ombú el 5 de Julio pasado como es habitual nos demoramos unas dos o tres horas en ocasiones para recorrer los kilómetros del camino de tierra hacia la Ruta 12. Siempre aparece algo interesante o como en este caso alguna especie en particular se queda perchando en alguno de los tantos […]
Birding and Photography Ethics
I’ve been an avid photographer for just about all this millennium, but I only became significantly interested in birding and wildlife photography after I received my 400mm lens and moved to Florida. I spent my early months here driving around wildlife loops and photographing whatever birds I saw. Eventually, I wanted to photograph more diversity […]
Here, there, and everywhere.
Whoa. Hey there, strangers. Two months was the last time I updated this – unacceptable! But not my fault, I promise! I haven’t been on an actual computer until a few days ago and things have been a little chaotic. I spent most of December in New Mexico with family (yay!) and then all the […]