Kestrel

The iconic hovering Kestrel.
Length 32-35cm: wingspan 71-80cm; weight 156-252g

Certainly I have had many more sightings of Kestrel than any other bird of prey but they never disappoint. I’ve taken many pictures of them and no doubt will take many more.  They do make a photographer’s life easier because they hover and stay in the same position for several moments. 

It’s usually just the direction they are facing which is an issue.  People apparently like to see at least one eye in a bird picture but I just love to see the back of birds with wings outstretched, showing off the beautiful colours and patterns of their plummage. So actually I don’t mind which way they face.