It has been a busy week, so I’m sharing some poor photos of an interesting (to me) observation this fall. Two birds flew quickly past me. They had a “falcon” shape and eventually I realized they were American Kestrels.
The second bird did not have its feet tucked smoothly up out of the way as it flew.
Why Does This American Kestrel Have Its Foot Extended?
I watched closely, hoping it had not got tangled in a plastic pop-can ring or something similar as I have seen birds injured by garbage before.
Munchies Anyone?
Fortunately, this bird was actually just enjoying itself.
In one photo, I could see it had caught a winged insect. And it was enjoying an “in flight snacks.”
i’ve seen flycatchers swallow their prey while in flight. But this Kestrel was more interesting than that. It was actually bringing its foot forward and tearing off bits to eat.
The two birds sped off to the west. I hope they have a happy and snack-filled migration.
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