Kestrel eating carrion

[merlinator]

Not great photos but interesting behaviour. I'm sure it happens often but I've never seen it before. I think it was a Heron as it was quite large but I didn't check as I didn't want to disturb the Kestrel and his bonanza.
Landing next to the carrion.
Kestrel by Buff Spectacular, on Flickr
Starting to eat
Kestrel by Buff Spectacular, on Flickr

Kestrel by Buff Spectacular, on Flickr
Eating, you can see the feathers
Kestrel by Buff Spectacular, on Flickr

[birderbert]

Wow! Great pics Roy Never seen this before! Was this on Sumas Prairie?

[merlinator]

Thanks for the kind words. It was in Ladner. He was very co-operative, I was less than 20' away in my noisy F250 diesel truck. He wasn't going to leave his meal. I suspect he'll be there for a while unless an eagle or other larger bird of prey drives him off.

[birderbert]

It probably won't take the Balds or Crows long to find this carrion. Very surprised he has it to himself as it looks as though he's not the first visitor!

[oldfulica]

Beauties Roy!

[jamie]

WOW!! Those are stunning shots! Good job!

[kimbose]

Wow, brilliant shots Roy!

[Chris]

Those are fantastic shots Roy. Never have seen that behaviour before from a Kestrel. Very cool.

[merlinator]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. Never seen it before either.

[Gord]

Certainly noteworthy behaviour for this species. Good pictures and great observations.

[neal]

Nice shots of this one. Great find.