Can anyone identify this bird?

**sfg4uKim** 10/28/2012, 2:01 am

As crazy as it sounds this bird and its mate hitched a ride on the cruise ship. The last time I saw it was at Grand Turk. I sure hope they are all right.

Sorry about the blood, it had just caught a meal:
Can anyone identify this bird? Img_6811

Another view that may help. The beak is almost a teal color and the same color is in the feet:
Can anyone identify this bird? Img_6812

CindiLou 10/28/2012, 4:51 am

Sure looks a lot like a female American Kestrel but I am sure there are more experienced bird watcher here then me lol..

**camprn** 10/28/2012, 8:43 am

I think raptors are so beautiful. Where was the ship sailing from? Also, how did you get so close to this beautiful bird?

**sfg4uKim** 10/28/2012, 9:44 am

camprn wrote:I think raptors are so beautiful. Where was the ship sailing from? Also, how did you get so close to this beautiful bird?

We were sailing from Baltimore to the Caribbean. A deckhand said the pair often cruises with them. I found this one perched near the waterslide - they must be very comfortable with humans. Plus the use of a good long lens.

**sfg4uKim** 10/28/2012, 9:46 am

CindiLou wrote:Sure looks a lot like a female American Kestrel but I am sure there are more experienced bird watcher here then me lol..

The beak coloring seems right, but the feathers weren't "rusty" color and from what I've been reading it says they are about the size of a mourning dove. This one was about 12-18" tall.

**camprn** 10/28/2012, 10:32 am

Most likely an immature Peregrin Falcon or a Merlin, me thinks.
http://www.scottishhawkingclub.co.uk/page4.htm
Can anyone identify this bird? Merlin_IMG_3706

Can anyone identify this bird? Merlin_IMG_3706

http://dendroica.blogspot.com/2009/10/raptor-banding-in-cape-may.html

**Turan** 10/28/2012, 12:26 pm

12-18" is huge for a Merlin, but it sure looks like one.
That is a nice story how they take the cruise regularly Smile

We had a lady merlin spend the winters with us for many years. She would hunt the English sparrows that fed on the chicken food.

**camprn** 10/28/2012, 12:28 pm

Turan wrote:12-18" is huge for a Merlin, but it sure looks like one.
That is a nice story how they take the cruise regularly
We had a lady merlin spend the winters with us for many years. She would hunt the English sparrows that fed on the chicken food.

I think you are correct Turan. That's why I was thinking more along the lines of a Peregrine, with the black streaks under the eyes.

**Turan** 10/28/2012, 12:48 pm

I wonder how Peregrins pass on the knowledge to their youngsters to take that particular criuse ship.... :scratch:

**sfg4uKim** 10/28/2012, 6:36 pm

Turan wrote:I wonder how Peregrins pass on the knowledge to their youngsters to take that particular criuse ship.... :scratch:

I think they are all friends on Facebook and pass along the info. Very Happy

Anyway I think this was a very special treat that I won't soon forget.

**camprn** 10/28/2012, 6:44 pm

BY the way Kim, that is a GREAT SHOT, full face of that pretty bird.

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