After relentless harassment of North America’s most formidable raptor, the Kestrel finds herself with tables turned-at the pointy end of the Golden Eagle.
This website chronicles the last year and a half photographing birds of prey in the coastal sage, grasslands, and oak woodland of the Monterey area uplands. My hope is to spark interest in the conservation of these amazing creatures, and the wild spaces they rely on. All observations are my own.
These photographs are free to download for educational or personal digital sharing, provided clear credit is given to the photographer (JH Kilbuck). In lieu of payment, please consider making a donation to the local SPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Monterey Audubon, or an animal rescue group of your choosing.
Golden Eagle
Despite the eagle’s apex status and physical dominance, everyday life is not resistance-free. Red-tailed Hawks and ravens will actively mob eagles, often in dramatic fashion. However, this agitation is not limited to large birds; American Kestrels are often the most frequent antagonists. But while the eagle may appear indifferent or resigned, its patience has its limits.
All images captured in the Monterey area using a Sony a6700 and Sigma 150-600mm telephoto lens