What can you hunt with a kestrel?

Typical quarry caught with the Kestrel are mice, house sparrows, starlings, English sparrows, and insects such as dragonflies and grasshoppers.

Are there Kestrels in Washington state?

American Kestrels are common in open habitat at lower elevations in eastern Washington. They are present but much less common in similar habitat in western Washington, especially in the north. They can also be seen at high elevations in open, rocky areas and in high meadows, up to about 6,000 feet.

What is the largest bird of prey in Washington state?

The Ferruginous Hawk, generally seen in eastern Washington, is the largest of Washington’s hawks. This hawk can be seen soaring with its wings in a shallow dihedral. The Ferruginous Hawk has a light and a dark color phase. The dark phase is less common; 25% of the birds nesting near Hanford are the dark phase.

What do American kestrels eat?

Commonly taken insects include grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles, dragonflies, butterflies and moths. Spiders and scorpions are eaten as well. American Kestrels also take small rodents including voles, mice, and shrews, as well as small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Do people hunt with Kestrels?

For beginning students of falconry, the American Kestrel is often the first choice for a hunting falcon. Although they are not as strong in flight as larger falcons, many Kestrels successfully hunt sparrows and starlings as well as birds nearly twice their weight. Chances are you can find an American Kestrel nearby.

Can Kestrels be used in falconry?

The Kestrel is a popular species in falconry. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) It is also known as the European Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel, or Old World Kestrel.

Are there peregrine falcons in Washington state?

Peregrine falcons have experienced a remarkable recovery and the population continues to increase across Washington. The species remains classified as “protected wildlife” under state law (WAC 220-200-100) and continues to be protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

What kind of falcons live in Washington State?

Two subspecies breed in Washington. Peale’s Peregrine Falcon is found along the coast and in Puget Sound. The Continental Peregrine Falcon, or Anatum Peregrine, inhabits eastern Washington. It was extirpated from the state but has been reintroduced in a number of locations and seems to be recovering.

What is the largest bird in the Pacific Northwest?

The California condor
The California condor, Gymnogyps californianus, is the largest soaring land bird on the continent, stretching 2.8 m (9.5 ft) from wing to wing, and weighing about 8.5–10 kg (18–22 lbs).

Are there Cooper’s hawks in Washington State?

In Washington, the Cooper’s Hawk is uncommon throughout forested areas at low and middle elevations, preferring hardwood stands where available and also in northeastern Washington and along the Blue Mountains, in riparian areas of coniferous landscapes.

Do kestrels eat starlings?

Kestrels consume crop pests such as grasshoppers, rodents and European starlings.

Do kestrels eat songbirds?

American Kestrels eat mostly insects and other invertebrates, as well as small rodents and birds. Common foods include grasshoppers, cicadas, beetles, and dragonflies; scorpions and spiders; butterflies and moths; voles, mice, shrews, bats, and small songbirds.