The Kestrels of St. John

American Kestrel

(Family: Falco sparverious)

The Kestrel is a small, 9-12", hunting bird. They have a light brown back, a red tail and an unusual facial pattern. This species is often seen on high exposed branches or telephone poles which is where they hunt from. It lays two to four speckled eggs either in a cavity of a tree or on a cliff ledge. This one spent some time on my deck.

American Kestrel photo by Andy Gordon

photo by Rick Falkenberg