That part of the adventure doesn't sound all that exciting. I've done it many times but it's not fun

So the staff isn't constantly waking you up for the peanuts and Coke that you refused the last time they woke you up?

You're got some great photos here. Sounds like a fascinating trip.

Went out on a little photo safari the other day. Saw some turkeys. Took a picture out the window of GrandCherokeeOne.

Attachment 47146

Meh, turkeys.

Aaand then, as I was about to pull away, I looked about 50 feet in front of the Jeep, and sitting there on a survey stake, was this fella:

Attachment 47147
Attachment 47148

I guess he had been sitting there when I pulled up, and, just didn't see a reason to leave. I almost didn't see him, wouldn't have, if it hadn't been for the fluttering survey tape.

That, friends and neighbors, is ye olde American Kestrel, which, Wikipedia tells me, is not a 'true' kestrel. Whatever, it's a kind of falcon, and, I find that cool as hell, as I've never laid my personal eyes on a falcon, or a kestrel, for that matter.

I believe this one is probably a juvenile.

*If anyone can back-up, or, refute, my ID of this bird, please do so.

TIA:D

I'd say you're right.

I don't know what you see/saw (see what I did thar?) that makes you think it's a juvenile, but it does seem to be female. What a great shot. Kudos!

These two pics from Wikipedia:

Wiki IDs this as a female adult:

Attachment 47150

Notice the breast pattern is more akin to stripes, than to spots, like on my boid.

And a Wiki-ID'd young 'un:

Attachment 47151

Notice the spots on the breast.

My bird's feathers look a bit on the down-y side. He's fluffy. Also, it looks like the malar (or 'cheek') stripes look darker on the younger birds, and paler, or faded, on the older ones. Might just be me, or the particular pics I looked at.

Thanks, V.

Looks young to me too. Clean.

The malar stripes are definitely there. I'd say you have a positive ID, grav. Nice pic!

I like the turkeys as well, but this one was special.

I back your ID using my Merlin Bird ID app! Cornell Ornithology put the thing out. It has good pics, a systematized approach, and bird songs for each critter. Fun to prank kids with as well.

Thanks!

Smoked with what? :bolt:

Made behind the library few years ago. Plant was the one with berries, maybe
Lantana?

What a splendid photo. Absolutely beautiful!

I'd hazard a guess that the bush is Buddleia (Buddleja), sometimes known as the 'Butterfly Bush', at least on this side of the Atlantic.

Nice.

Seconded.

Cool pic, Buster!

Mashed redskins, and green beans?