21st July - Kestrel using these roadside fence posts as an advantage point from which to chase butterflies flying in the area.
However, the next day, there was a torrential thunderstorm and in its midst the Kestrel appeared, sitting high upon a nearby telephone pole. It sat out the downpour for some 15 minutes, getting thoroughly soaked in the process but keeping one eye open on the ground below. As soon as the rain subsided it flew down onto the grass below and proceeded to dart around apparently pecking at the sodden ground. Worms do respond to sudden vibrations on the earth above and will come to the surface correspondingly. So presumably the Kestrel was aware of this and was ready for this reaction when it occurred.
Kestrel sitting it out on telegraph pole at the height of the storm . . .
. . . and amongst the grass below watching for any signs of movement.
After a frantic few minutes - frequently disappearing from sight, it returned to one of the posts to dry out.
. . . and perhaps, also placed to get a better view!
A rather extraordinary sighting to say the least!