On an extremely warm and sunny day in early March, Bob and I drove east to Whitby for a walk at the various conservation areas found in that area. Along the roadway, Victoria Street West, we spotted two American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) perched side by side on the telephone wire, and one, quite obviously, was devouring a recent catch.
American Kestrels are about the size and shape of a Mourning Dove, and in fact, as we drove along, I thought at first that is what I was seeing. But with aid of my binoculars it was their larger, rounded heads that clued me in, and of course their coloring.
We had seen two kestrels in the same area a week earlier, so were on the lookout as we drove through the region. I think they must make their home, or at least their hunting ground, in the field adjacent to the highway there. American Kestrels prefer open country with few trees and low vegetation.
American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcons, packing a predator’s fierce intensity into their little bodies. These birds are often referred to as Sparrow Hawks.
We observed this kestrel as it ripped pieces from its prey, and were surprised just how long it worked at tearing apart its kill.
For a good half hour, the kestrel tore piece after piece from the little animal’s body, and at times, we could see little bits of fur being carried off on the wind.
In this video that Bob filmed, you get a chance to watch firsthand the kestrel tearing into its prey.
American Kestrels can be recognized by their conspicuous black face markings, the rusty-red feathers of their backs and tails, and, in the males, a distinctly slate blue color on the wings and crown of the head.
Although we kept our distance, the kestrels soon became aware of our presence.
About a 100 feet further along the street, a hawk was perched on a lamp standard. As we watched, it dove down into the long grass of the field and pounced on some other creature. The kestrels took notice of the activity thereabouts, and one of them quickly departed for another location across the meadow.
Hovering above a tiny bush, the kestrel soon found purchase and took up its new resting spot.
Finally, the second falcon abandoned its feasting and flew over to join the other, being careful to securely transport its prey.
As you see in Bob’s second video, the kestrel was quite adept at grasping its prey in its talons.
The dead prey dangled heavily below as the kestrel flew across to join its mate. I wondered if it would share its spoils.
Checkout some of our other Raptor sightings
Sharp-shinned Hawk Suffers through Toronto Snowstorm
A Sopping wet Sharp-shinned Hawk in Toronto
Cooper’s Hawk sighting in Goldhawk Park, Toronto, Ontario
Frame To Frame – Bob & Jean
American Kestrel Eating Prey Sighted In Whitby, Ontario is a post from: Frame To Frame