The Eurasian Kestrel was first found, photographed and reported by Kyle Shale on December 26, 2014 at Hartlen Point although it certainly could have been present earlier. It is still present as of this writing, January 2, 2015, and will likely remain indefinitely as long as the snow cover doesn't hamper its hunting.

It has the look and size of a Merlin but its hunting style is all kestrel. It either sits and watches or courses back and forth over successful terain with lots of hovering in place. Today it was coursing back and forth on the golf course side of Shore Road but I have seen it coursing on the ocean side of Shore Road as well. All Eurasian Kestrel photographs are severely cropped.

The Golf Course

Hartlen Point Golf Club

The Eurasion Kestrel also known as European or Common Kestrel

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The other kestrel of interest was the American Kestrel, a smaller but much more elegant bird. It hunted in the same manner as its European cousin but was found by me only in the vacant lots between Caldwell Road and Lafitte Lane on the land side of Shore Road.

This bird was extremely difficult to photograph well due to its smaller size and the distance to its perching area, visible as the dog-leg in the aerial photo. Consequently, the photographs posted here are severely cropped.

Vacant Lot Between Caldwell Road and Lafitte Lane

The Meadow

American Kestrel

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