Local Park Birding
Female Southeastern American Kestrel. Hunts mostly by watching from a high perch, then swooping down to capture prey.
Despite the time constraints during the week, I decided to squeeze in a quick visit to the local park for some birding. Just as we were leaving the neighborhood, my eyes caught a glimpse of a bird perched atop a tree – an American Kestrel.
Males and females—each boasts a pair of vertical slashes on the side of their pale faces. Often referred to as a "mustache" and a "sideburn," these markings add a unique touch to their appearance.
The open area, with few tall trees, and two retention ponds surrounded by low-growing vegetation, provided an ideal spot.
The American Kestrel, our nation's smallest falcon boasting a wingspan of no more than 24 inches. However, the not so common presence of American Kestrels underscores a troubling reality. The North American Breeding Bird Survey highlights the challenges they face, including land clearing for development, destruction of the dead trees crucial for nesting, and pesticides impacting their food sources. This has led to a 1.39% decline in their populations annually from 1966 to 2017, putting them on a trajectory for a 50% population decline by 2075.
American Kestrels can see ultraviolet light, which is a valuable aid in foraging.
American Kestrel gliding on flat wings.
Upon reaching the Waterfront park, my attention was captivated by a Yellow-rumped warbler foraging in the outer tree canopy – a lively little bird that proved challenging to capture in a photo.
Perched on the outer limbs of a tree and flashing its rump and tail!
Trees and shrubs were filled with streaky brown-and-yellow birds and their sharp chirps.
Eastern Phoebe. Phoebes, known as sit-and-wait hunters, patiently perch on a strategic vantage point, visually scanning for prey before launching into a swift pursuit.
Flashing its trademark yellow rump patch.
On the lakeshore, a Great Egret was busy catching dinner, adding a touch of nature's beauty to my evening birding adventure.
