Posted to the Wildlife questions forum
2 November 2009 12:48 PM
Hello!
Was very lucky yesterday to see a pair of kestrels sitting together on a branch at Venus Pool. I have never seen male & female together like it! Do they stay together year round? Or could they be siblings? They were getting rocked about a fair bit with the winds yesterday!!
3 November 2009 7:38 PM
That's a brilliant photograph of the two kestrals Marjus. A fantastic close-up.
Paul
5 November 2009 4:02 PM
Thank you John, thank you Paul!
Been trying to learn more about the kestrel but can't find much info about their breeding habits! The female and juveniles look the same apparently, so I don't know yet if it's likely to be a 'pair', siblings, or father and juvenile?? Anyone know more about their 'habits'?? I'm just curious!
By the way, I saw 2 kestrels fly by when I arrived in the car park Tuesday morning, but couldn't see if it was male and female/juvenile again!
Thanks
5 November 2009 5:39 PM
Looking again Marjus, I think Juvenile is more likely as the shadowing below the eye is very light and the black tip to the beak is the same.
I don't know as much as I'd like about breeding habits! but I was interested and quite surprised to learn that they can see ultra violet and use this when hunting as their prey leave a trail of urine thats shows up as very bright green and glowing to them. Apparently the fresher the pee pee the brighter the colour. As their prey are continually 'going" its a bit of a give away to the route they have taken! You probably saw the same program, I just thought it was pretty cool!
John :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
5 November 2009 5:46 PM
Hi MarJus
Love your pictures of your Kestrels - really nice composure
John: very interesting facts about Kestrals seeing Ultra Violet light {smile}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Another day 'birding' means another happy moment in life
Regards Kathy and Dave x
5 November 2009 7:27 PM
Highland McHale: Looking again Marjus, I think Juvenile is more likely as the shadowing below the eye is very light and the black tip to the beak is the same. I don't know as much as I'd like about breeding habits! but I was interested and quite surprised to learn that they can see ultra violet and use this when hunting as their prey leave a trail of urine thats shows up as very bright green and glowing to them. Apparently the fresher the pee pee the brighter the colour. As their prey are continually 'going" its a bit of a give away to the route they have taken! You probably saw the same program, I just thought it was pretty cool! John :-)
John, thank you so much for that excelllent snippet of information. I am glad to say, I keep on learning.
5 November 2009 8:22 PM
Personally speaking i think it's father and daughter. Dont forget that he may still be teaching her to hunt (possibly)...
I have seen a pair once on a telegraph line on my local patch. The only time i have though
Oystercatcher suggested this post as the answer
6 November 2009 9:44 AM
Thanks John & Oystercatcher! I'm inclined to agree as I had a look in a book on birds of prey (which I forgot I had lol!!) and it says that some young stay near to nesting site / parents for their first winter!
John I remember that program! 'Supernatural' or 'Supersenses' I think! Quite amazing!
6 November 2009 11:25 PM
Nisus suggested this post as the answer
9 November 2009 9:29 AM
Hi Nisus!
The geese probably were greylags (it's either them, or Canadas that come down regularly). I've seen the kestrel (male) quite a bit since! He was sitting up in the same tree again Saturday morning!
9 November 2009 9:54 AM
hi MarJus
Interesting information here Marjus about Kestrels
What we learn, and yes I remember the programme in question too.
Taking one look at your pictures, you can see the story unfolding in front of your eyes.
11 November 2009 12:26 AM