Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Raptor Wednesday

Notice anything on this bare branch of a avian perch, I mean besides a male American Kestrel and some whitewash?Closer…

On Monday, you may have been puzzled by my statement about the first living dragonfly seen this year outside my window. Because I’d seen these remains earlier. It’s a dragonfly wing and what looks like a bit of gristle. This was there for most of a day. Was it purposely wedged or did it just stick?

Kestrels enjoy crunchy dragonfly snacks but seem to discard the wings. They often eat the insects while flying, swooping to capture, bending head to talons to eat, the wings and other bits falling away.

mthew

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4 responses to “Raptor Wednesday”

  1. Hershy Nove

    In a unrelated subject, the last couple of days when I drove through Hamilton Ave in Brooklyn towards the the tunnel, I spotted what looks like a peregrine perching and flying around under the 278 overpass, it’s difficult to confirm because it’s happening while driving, but does it makes sense to be a falcon? It’s a pigeon town under there, so it seems appropriate.

    Reply
    1. mthew

      It certainly could be. I’ve seen them in the vicinity in past years, hunting over the Gowanus and the F train viaduct.

      Reply
      1. H.N

        Interesting, I discovered your blog recently and I’m amazed, thank you for sharing, it truly inspires.
        Can you give me any useful tips and locations to spot peregrine falcons in Brooklyn.
        Thanks

      2. mthew

        Columbus Park, north of Borough Hall, can be a good place. The wide open plaza gives you plenty of sky to scan; the cliff-like buildings, especially on Court St., are good places to spot them perching.

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