The Lesser Kestrels of Matera #7

We’re having close encounters of the wildlife kind:

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There are Lesser Kestrels all over Matera. I’m sure the locals must become immune to their charms, but I just can’t imagine that happening to me. Who could resist looking skywards and seeing an elegant flypast?

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They are now settling into pairs after their journey from Africa and are calling to each other. Males seem to hold onto their prey for long periods, perhaps hoping to offer it as a gift to a female. Others are mating on the rooftops.

They fill the old city with calls and acrobatics.

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Across the city we can see a window box balcony flypast:

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Most of the cranes for the rebuilding of the old city have gone now but one huge red one remains. This Lesser Kestrel landed on a crane arm which then started swinging into position. It left its perch with an air of puzzlement.

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They flutter and swoop despite the human presence:

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I love their muted colours against the warm tones of the rock city:

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

What a spectacular location:

Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Occasionally they perform startlingly fast about-turns in the sky and I almost think that they are enjoying this experience as much as we are:

Lesser Kestrel - Matera - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Which is a great deal.

More Lesser Kestrels in Matera

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