The Kestrel...

- Beautiful day in Tennessee! Mid 50s, fresh breezes and brilliant skies over the mountains.....

- First heard the Spring Peepers on February 19 this year....and then again today.....a bit early it seems.....they too, seem to be ready for spring.....

- Like most of the southeast, we have experienced more snow this winter than in many years. And though most residents seemed to enjoy the beauty of the snow covered mountains, most are now looking for signs of the change of seasons.

- As has been mentioned in this journal on numerous occasions, The Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is one of my favorite avia. These small falcons offer a striking pose when viewed online or in the identification books, but I have found on many occasions that getting a close-up photo is another matter. They seem to pose for a while, but when approached (or you attempt to get out of your vehicle), they soar from their perch as if saying....'not now'.

- Attached is a photo of two Kestrels taken this morning along the roadside. The photo shows what is likely a mating pair. Soon after the photo, each, at different times, flew out over the surrounding fields, with seemingly very little effort, only to alight back on a utility line a few hundreds yards away. I have seen several recently perched on utility lines with their favorite prey, The White-Footed Mouse, draped over the curvature of the wire, clutched by a talon. These robin-sized birds have several identifying field marks...the male has blue/gray wings with the mottled brown on white chest, and both sexes have the vertical black stripes, separated by white, beneath each eye. The frontal appearance gives the observer the thought of a mustache. Also distinct is the swallow-like flight pattern and the ability to hover over a field while searching for prey.

- The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is similar to The Kestrel (also called by many other names...."Sparrow Hawk" is common). The Merlin, a bit larger, is not common in the southeast, though I did see one within the properties a few years ago. Due to the teardrop, vertical black line beneath each eye, it has even more of the "old professor" look.

- Also pictured is the seemingly ever present Robin, another harbinger of spring. As shown, they are in groups now, but soon they will pair off to engage in rituals related to the continuation of the species.

- Top photo is of a box designed and mounted for the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis). This box is part of a 'bluebird trail' and is one of several recently installed boxes by Jim and Maryann Quinn of Bluff View Estates. Thank you Jim and Maryann for your love of the great outdoors and for adding to the beauty of our mountain properties.