American Kestrel Falco sparverius

An extremely rare vagrant to the UK from North America with just two accepted records. A sighting in Norfolk recently created some brief excitement until it was noticed that it was wearing a coloured plastic ring proving that it had escaped from captivity.

The following photos were taken from America where this species is common.

American Kestrel, Bartlett Park, 5-May-05 American Kestrel, Bartlett Park, 5-May-05

female American Kestrel, Bartlett Park (California, USA), 5th May 2005

 
American Kestrel, Salton Sea, 23-Apr-05 American Kestrel, Bartlett Park, 5-May-05

male American Kestrel, SE Salton Sea (California, USA), 23rd April 2005

 

female American Kestrel (same bird as above), Bartlett Park (California, USA), 5th May 2005