Holly's Kestrel Photo of the summer

Throughout the spring the Kestrels continues to feed at a voracious pace - both male and female.
 

The male Kestrel brought voles in a couple of times an hour

The female Kestrel also fed on voles.

 

The two of them captured voles, lizards and even small snakes.

It was rare to see the two together but even more rare to see them without food.

The shot I missed numerous times was of the male returning to the fence and handing his food to his mate. It happened many times, I would take the shots leading up to the transfer then miss the split second transfer of food.

We have the tendency to place human emotion and reasoning on wildlife to explain their actions. I am guilty of that but also aware that I am doing it so I always caveat my comments with a "I know they are not human - but I interpret their actions this way." That said - I know they are not human BUT - there is something endearing about the male Kestrel giving his food to the female to ensure his off-spring have the best chance of survival.

The following picture captures the exchange - read into what you will - but know that I am profoundly proud of Holly for taking the picture.  She saw the moment approaching, stepped up to my tripod mounted camera and took one picture - BAM, she got it.

 

The male on the left is gently handing his vole to his mate. I say gently because it looks like she is tearing the vole from him, not true, she is just firmly grasping the offered vole.

Tomorrow the fruits of their labor...