The American Kestrel. Small, yes. But its size belies its intensity, for make no mistake about it… the American Kestrel is a raptor, a bird of prey and a very, very fine hunter.

This particular male just happens to be in full breeding color; note the intense orange around its beak, and if you happened to be a female kestrel, well, you would find this particular fellow quite handsome indeed. He is just landing on a perch when this shot was taken, perhaps to reset and begin to look for lunch.

And being on the wrong end of the American Kestrel, small though it may be, is not something I would care to be. Oh no. Not at all.