In early November while visiting the Orlando Wetlands, I came across an American Kestrel for the first time. They are very cool and colorful birds, often called “North America’s littlest falcon.”
My first opportunity at photographing one came with the bird far, far away. Last weekend I had another chance to get pictures when an American Kestrel was a little closer to a trail at the Wetlands.
Getting a better look at the Kestrel, two things stuck me about this bird.
First, it looks amazing in person with its array of colors. The bird’s blue, black, orange and brown feathers are mesmerizing.
Second, for a raptor, this bird is really, really small. In the distance, it’s easy to mistake it for a Grackle, and Cornell University’s All About Birds site lists its size is between a Robin and a Crow.
My second opportunity to get photos of the Kestrel was better than my first, but I hope to get a third chance soon.
