Kestrel – 4/13/13

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/13/13

Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.

Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond Dam

Common Name: American Kestrel

Scientific Name: Falco sparverius

Comments: I was puzzled that five of the six bluebird houses that I checked were empty in mid-April when nesting should have been in full-swing. Then I saw a kestrel (a.k.a sparrow hawk) in a tree by the field. You can tell it’s a male by the blue wings.

Kestrels are the smallest falcons. They are declining in parts of their range.

More Information: All About Birds