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

Male and female American Kestrels on the neo-gothic pile at Green-Wood’s 5th Avenue entrance.
Male now on the left flanking tower. Female still on the right. The dark grey material on the center spire is the Monk Parakeet colony. Kestrels may roost in here, too. More here.
Oh-oh!
In addition to the famous Monk Parakeets, European Starlings may well nest in this hive of twigs. But this prey looks like House Sparrow.

mthew

One response to “Raptor Wednesday”

  1. Chuck McAlexander

    The House Sparrow is an ideal size and lacks some of the armament the Monks tote. Starling is a little more risky than the sparrow, but still on the menu. Have you witnessed a kestrel capturing a Monk? I would be surprised unless the supply of sparrows and starlings dried up. Then, even pigeon is fair game.

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