Possible Nankeen Kestrel over Sheep Paddock at Tungkillo, South Australia Patrick Prior
The rolling grassy hills of Tungkillo in the Mid Murray Council, South Australia bleed peace and tranquillity. The solitary indistinct bird that soars through the sky seems to be either an Australian Kestrel or some similar bird of prey. The presence of this Kestrel boasts the abundant food supply such as grasshoppers, mice, lizards, beetles and more. The thriving Barley Grass (Hordeum leporinum) swaying in the wind could very well house the prey this bird is searching for.
These Kestrels usually come in pairs and stay as a mated pair in their territory of one to five square kilometres. The sheep grazing paddocks allow the Kestrel to follow the fence line as a patrol route, assisting the raptor's ability to find prey. The barbless wire allows the Kestrel a safer diving area, ensuring the cohabitation of both livestock and wild. The Australian Gum Trees in the distance could very well house the nests of the Kestrels as the season shifts into Spring.



