Urban Kestrel

wildherbalian85 · #1 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 04:08 PM

I have just seen a strange site.... a kestrel flying around over a densely built up urban area. Its not the first time either i have witnessed a kestrel in this area (1 mile radius) as last summer i saw one from my garden.

RoyW · #2 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 04:19 PM

Kestrels are sometimes found in built up areas, and will sometimes even attempt to breed there. As long as they can find enough food (whether it is the typical diet of mice/ voles, or small birds or beetles) they don't really mind what the surroundings are like!

Edit: Of course they may just be taking the direct route between A & B - you may be surprised how many different birds of prey pass over built up areas (even central London).

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 07:11 PM

Kestrels, Peregrines + Sparrowhawks are all regular in built up areas provided they can find food. In central London Kestrels appeared to have declined, whereas the other 2 species are more common than my younger years.

wildherbalian85 · #4 (**permalink**) 25-04-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Kestrels, Peregrines + Sparrow hawks are all regular in built up areas provided they can find food. In central London Kestrels appeared to have declined, whereas the other 2 species are more common than my younger years.

Sparrows hawks are of no supprise... they are quite common especially in parks and cemeteries... i also know of peregrines in the slightly less built up area's of chichester not to far from me... i also have heard of them been seen around Portsmouth harbor. i am in Portsmouth.