Raptor

American kestrel

Falco sparverius

North America's smallest falcon, seen mostly in fall and winter on the open farmland of the Skagit and Samish flats, perched on wires along field edges.

Seasonality

Peaks in January. Present all year in small numbers; most often seen from September to March on the farmland flats.

Behavior

Perches on roadside wires and hovers over short grass, hunting voles and large insects.
Bobs its tail when perched, which helps pick it out at a distance.
Wintering birds often hold the same stretch of road day after day.

Photography tips

A small bird on a wire needs a long lens and a patient approach; stop well back and creep forward in stages.
Photograph from slightly below to put the bird against sky instead of a cluttered field.

Field ethics

Kestrels flush easily from wires; if one moves off, let it settle rather than following it.

Where to look

Lummi Flats & Red River RoadWhatcom County · Peaks in January
Padilla BaySkagit County · Peaks in January
Samish West 90Skagit County · Peaks in January
Samish East 90Skagit County · Peaks in January