I *adore* kestrels.
These pix all are significantly cropped, and as previously mentioned, I am no bird photographer! But wow. I’m extremely grateful to this extraordinarily handsome gentleman for perching close enough and giving me enough time to get several sharp shots before he took off (he dodged off to the (my) right, despite the fact that he launched first to the left).
I mean … I *ADORE* kestrels!
Just ask Kestrel. 🙂
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Is the Kestrel a hawk?
It’s a small falcon – the smallest, I believe. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id
All kestrels are beautiful! I know you don’t regard yourself as a bird photographer, TJ, but your bird pics are are always really good! We get the bird category of kestrel visiting our land now and then, and I agree – I adore kestrels!
Thank you very much, Sue, and I have discovered a recent interest in trying to photograph them. 🙂 The learning is challenging – and therefore incredibly interesting! And I’m learning a lot along the way. Kestrels are amazing! So glad you have visitors. 🙂
So two count them two versions of a Kestrel!
Both so beautiful. Great pictures.
🙂 They’re gorgeous birds … and she’s a gorgeous mustang. 🙂
WOW! What pretty birds they are!
Right? Handsome and *fierce*!
Great capture ! I’m glad he stuck around for you to get such great photos.The ones we have around here are just as wonderful to see. I’ve tried to photograph them, but they are too quick. That, or I’m too slow 😂.
Birds are HARD! They’re tiny (compared with horses!), and they ARE fast! And they don’t very often tolerate humans very “close” at all. 😉 I’m glad you get to see them, too!
Kestrels are Kool!
The smallest falcon and raptor and the best at hovering.
I have fantasized of building a nesting box and/or trying my hand at micro-falconry. If in the right circumstances, it would be grand.
Thanks for the wildlife photos.
You don’t realize how really small they are until you see them and realize that’s what they are. But they are so amazing! Their numbers are declining ((no) surprise), but around here, they seem to be plentiful, and I adore seeing them. 🙂 It would be great to have a nesting box! Ooooh, falconry would be extraordinary!
Fantastic photos!!! You make me want to get a camera…
Ha! I would never discourage anyone from getting a camera and trying their hand at ANY kind of photography! I will warn you that it’s completely addictive. 😉