Proud to be an American Kestrel

I would like for you to meet Bob and Juliet.

They are American Kestrels (Falco sparverius), the smallest diurnal raptor in North America. The American Kestrel was formerly called a "sparrow hawk."

Which one is Bob?
Bob is the smaller kestrel with blue-gray wings and a lightly spotted chest and belly. Juliet is larger with rufous wings barred with black, and streaking on the chest. As with all falcons, the male is always smaller than the female.

How small are they?
Size: 9-12 in; Wingspan: 20-24 in; Weight: 80-165 g (2.82-5.82 ounces)

How do they hunt and kill prey?
Like all raptors, kestrels swoop down and catch their prey with their feet; however, while other raptors use their powerful talons to kill their prey, falcons have a "tooth" on either side of their beak used for snapping the spinal cord of a bird, rodent, or reptile.

Why do they have black spots on their heads?
The spots under the kestrel’s eyes have a purpose… the black pigment absorbs bright sunlight so it does not reflect back up into the kestrel’s eyes. And so do the spots on the back of the head… the black spots serve as "false eyes," therefore fooling the predator into thinking the back of the head is the face…


Helpful identification tips?
... In flight, look for pointed wings and rapid wingbeats.
... From afar, look for its characteristic tail-bob and hunched silhouette. They pump their tails and bob their heads while perched, especially when agitated. The American Kestrel is the only North American falcon to habitually hover with rapid wing beats, keeping its head motionless while scanning the ground for prey. The kestrel commonly perches along fences and powerlines. It glides with flat wings and wingtips curved upward. It occasionally soars in circles with its tail spread and its wings flat.
...By ear, listen for a "klee" or "killy" sound, usually delivered as a rapid series.http://danlin.textamerica.com/?r=4094418

Barn owls

My first offical volunteer day at the Ojai Raptor Center will be this Sunday. I am looking forward to working with baby owls like these. The down on the owl on the left makes him look like a sheep. Lol. I might pee my pants if I see this guy in person.


http://ojairaptorcenter.org/

Hawk, Sharp-Shinned

Hawk, Sharp-Shinned
Originally uploaded by umarlene.

I saw a sharp-shinned hawk today, perching on a wire overlooking my bird feeders. In order to save the birds I attract with my delicious seeds and oranges, I sent Rudy out into the backyard to scare it away from the feeders. I guess it wasn't scared of a dog standing in the rain with a confused look on her face... but it was scared of Dan's camera. Dan, the finches thank you for your bravery.

Hawk, Sharp-Shinned
Originally uploaded by umarlene.

IMG_4478
Originally uploaded by umarlene.