WINDHOVER

This Kestrel was hunting near the house today and came close enough for me to grab an image or three. This female has been around the area for a good few weeks and is a welcome sight.(The male has less mottling and has a blueish grey head and tail.) now, now that's enough of the technical shite.
The nickname windhover obviously comes from the birds ability to hover effortlessly whilst hunting for small mammals. They are seen mostly by motorway drivers as they hunt the undisturbed verges, but they are not as common as they once were.

kestrel

the windhover

falco tinnunculus

You Spring/Autumnwatch viewers would know that the Kestrel is declining after being at one time our most common day flying bird of prey, and the show are asking for us keen birders to send in our sightings to help with a Kestrel survey they're doing so I'd better get on and do it.