I’ve been very busy this year so I haven’t posted a lot of my photos (yet). I am working on processing them as time allows. Here are a few shots of the American Kestrels that nest near the YK River. I counted about 6 on this day back in early May!
Each year there are a few birds who check out the nest boxes along the Pumphouse Road near the Yellowknife River. There is usually an osprey nest as well as at least one woodpecker that make this area home. Kestrels are small falcons that hunt birds, insects and rodents which are abundant in this area. As one of the smallest falcons they sometimes fall prey to larger raptors and owls.
Males have a grey cap and wings and females are mostly brown. They are often seen perched on wires along roadsides and bounce their tails when they are trying to balance. They are fast flyers and can catch their prey in the air as well as on the ground.
Fun Fact: The oldest American Kestrel was a male and at least 14 years, 8 months old when he was found in Utah in 2001. He was banded in the same state in 1987. *