Kestrels eat Worms (2 Viewers)

[ChrisKten]

I know that it's common knowledge that some (all?) Raptors eat Worms, but I've never actually seen it with my own eyes, so to speak. Well I did see the behaviour this morning, so I thought that I'd share a few pictures.

This is a female from my local reservoirs (she mated Monday with the male), she swooped down from a tree that was 60m away, as she would for any other prey item. Obviously the Worm wasn't quick enough to escape, and didn't put up much of a fight either

(I was near the tree, so at least 60% crops, but if you squint you can see the Worm |=)| )

 

[Kits]

Great behaviour shots, Chris. I can see the worm loud (?) and clear! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bird_Bill]

Hello, Chris,
Fabulous!
Heard about but never seen, 3rd pic shows clearly even in old tired eyes.
female?, yours show differently than here. Growing family perhaps?.
Cheers, Bill

 

[rosbifs]

we rescued a kes when i was young and in suffolk (one lad in the village with me as helper). when we started to fly it he would only catch dung beetles!!

 

[ChrisKten]

I'm glad it was of interest to a few of you

 

[Monahawk]

Nice sequence of pics.

I remember after our house was built and the lawn was set [ before it was seeded ], I observed a male kestrel come to ground, walk around a little then seemingly scratch the ground and devour a sizeable earthworm.

Si.

 

[ChrisKten]

Yeah, Worms are easy prey, Si; I bet they've saved a few Kestrels from starving during hard times. Although I'm not sure how many Worms = a Mouse or small Bird

 

[A2GG]

just goes to show that the 'early bird' doesn't always get the worm. That looks like afternoon nice photos !

 

[ChrisKten]

just goes to show that the 'early bird' doesn't always get the worm. That looks like afternoon nice photos !

It was early morning, well, earlyish (8:54am)

 

[A2GG]

It was early morning, well, earlyish (8:54am)

ahhh then the old saying is proven true :t:

 

[Painted Turtle]

I love kestrels and did not know they did this. Thanks for posting!