Close Encounter of a Kestrel Kind!

A couple of weeks ago I took a walk on the beach during my lunch break. It was one of those perfect fall days with a crystal-clear blue sky, brilliant sunshine, and a gentle ocean breeze. Halfway through my walk, I noticed a bird perched on sign about hundred yards away. I knew immediately that it was an American kestrel and I hoped that it would remain perched, as I got closer. I walked very quietly and slowly towards the bird and was able to get within about 25 feet of it. I could see every detail of its beautiful plumage and I was kicking myself for not having my camera with me! The photographs I could have taken would have been amazing!! I remembered that I had my cell phone with me so I took it out of my pocket and was able to take these photos.

You bet the next time I take this walk, I will have my camera with me and maybe I will be as lucky as I was a couple of weeks ago - to be within 25 feet of an American kestrel, perched on a sign, in the brilliant sunshine.