Angry Little Kestrel

For the past few years, I spent a lot of time exploring and photographing every nook and cranny inside a California wetlands near Huntington Beach. Months at a time, day in and day out I would hike the cliffs and walk forever in search of birds. I was never disappointed, for this place is known for so many species of plants and animals.

On this particular day, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The breeze blowing from the Pacific Coast was soothing and I was nearing the end of my daily hike.

This American Kestrel flew around my head a couple of times and then landed on this stick someone had stuck in the fence pole. There we were glaring at each other. I stopped and pulled my camera around in front of me to fire off a few clicks. Then the action started.

The Kestrel seemed a little agitated at me. Almost as if to say “enough already.”

He lifted his wing and covered his face, giving me a headless looking shot.

Then turned around to see if I was still there. Yep, I said, I am still standing here photographing your every mood.

He puffed out his chest ruffled up his feathers and began giving me that evil eye look.

Now looking like one of the three pigs wanting to huff and puff and blow me away. But I didn’t move. I wasn’t giving in and neither was he.

He dropped his head as if to appear defeated. Took one last look at me and then flew away.

No one was hurt in the process and I walked away with a story and memories of a few moments with an American Kestrel.

Perhaps the making of a new friend? I would like to think so.

Speaking of friend. I just joined “The Friends of Medium” program. I am not sure why but from what I read, there are some positive features. Time will tell.

Thanks for reading!