Inquisitive Kestrel

The American Kestrel is the most common falcon in North America, and can thrive in a vast variety of habitats. For the most part, put it about anywhere and it will do well… from the forest to the open field, the Kestrel is at home everywhere.
This particular female American Kestrel is actually a rescue animal, but she is perched here in front of an open field in the late fall at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico. Although it is late autumn here, it is also a bright sunny day and the opportunity for a tasty meal may yet present itself. With her head cocked “just so,”, it appears that she is inquisitive and intent on the meal, and as time went by she became no less inquisitive. Also, with the head cocked, the unique dual vertical black bars, which appear only on the Kestrel, are easily seen in this capture
The Kestrel is not a large bird–not by a long shot. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in fierceness as they are superb hunters. Often perching and waiting patiently, they will make a beeline for the meal, which is often on the ground. Snatching it up quickly they are back off to the air. What this one has her eye on is not yet known… but soon will be!

Peek-A-Boo Mustang

Deep in the heart of the Monero Mustang Sanctuary there exists a small watering hole. It isn’t really a big watering hole, really, but it does include the most important bit: water. It also includes another important bit: a berm that partly shields the water hole from the surroundings. And where there is water, the wild mustangs will come. But these are wild mustangs. Although familiar with humans, they are not accustomed to the human hand and certainly not in the mood to be domesticated. So, they maintain a good deal of caution around us (rightly so, too, since many of the mustangs in the sanctuary have been rescued from human abuse) and sometimes are not in the mood to be seen.

This is La Vieja, a mare caught peeking over the berm next to the water hole, just to see what, or who, was out there. The “who” of course was myself, camera in hand, capturing the moment. We looked at each other for a brief moment, acknowledging each other. That moment was brief and La Vieja turned away from the berm for that much needed and ever so pleasant drink.

Postscript: Just a couple of days after this photo was taken La Vieja became a mother to a wonderful filly. You can bet that both of them are now at the water hole, playing peek-a-boo.

There are different sizes of this photo available at our portfolio. Peek-A-Boo Mustang is available for purchase, as well, and you can have this print framed and delivered right to your door.