MK1 Kestrel

[expat]

When I an not spannering  on 737's and A320's I do a little contracting work for another company. It has been some time since worked in the following hanger, but in the meantime a pair of Kestrels decided that it would be a great place to raise a family. Well, in this hanger, we had three Kestrel fledglings learning to fly. As they have grown up with people coming and going, loud noises and aircraft being pushed in and out, they are not phased at all about it. You can get to about 6 inches from them, it does not bother them at all. I would not go as far as to say they are tame, nor would I attempt to tickle one under the chin, but a camera in close to them is just another thing that takes place in the hanger.

Matt

[Aerophile]

That last one has a "huh" :-? look about him.  :D

[JA 37 Viggen]

Third one has quite the talons! Also what is the aircraft?

[flyboy 28]

Also what is the aircraft?

ATR72.

[Anark]

They look nice.
They have massive eyes though.

[Craig.]

great shots mate.
wouldn't want to get that close in a few months time though.

[ozzy72]

Stunning shots Matt

[MWISimmer]

Beautiful birds Matt, you're very lucky to witness them so close.

[beaky]

Wow!! Nice catch!

Other than the droppings, I'd be happy to have kestrels nesting in my hangar. They'd never try to nest in or on the planes, and God help any mouse or small bird that comes in there with kestrels roosting.

[Omag 2.0]

Fantastic to see this! Amazing how these creatures adapt to the changing times...

[Rifleman]

Interesting shots and appreciated indeed, but I was hoping it was more in the lineage of the P.1127  :-/  

[expat]

Interesting shots and appreciated indeed, but I was hoping it was more in the lineage of the P.1127  :-/  

Thanks for the comments. I happened to be in the right hanger at the right time of year. As with my last photo post these where taken with my mobile phone. It has limitations of course, and I did not use the flash as I did not want a manic bird talons in my face, but for that once in a lifetime opportunity, it does what is says on the box. And it is a little easer to have in my pocket, lugging my Nikon F2 and assorted cr#p would probably get in the way of work.

Rifleman, I got your attention  ;D

Matt

[john_uk]

They look nice.
They have massive eyes though.

must be on drugs

the last two look as if you snook up on them and wacked em around the back of the head

nice shots, but thats deffo a mkII kestrel

[Rifleman]

[quote][quote]Interesting shots and appreciated indeed, but I was hoping it was more in the lineage of the P.1127