FOR A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER THERE ARE FEW SPECIES of bird that are as exciting to photograph as the raptors.

Raptors as a group are also known as the birds of prey. They include hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and kites. The word raptor is a general term to describe any of these birds.

In fact the word raptor is Latin and means “one who seizes” or “grabs.” I would say that is a good translation because raptors catch their dinner by grabbing their prey with their powerful feet.

I found an interesting report on the American Kestrel recently. These are the kinds of issues I like to follow closely, so I thought I would summarize a few of the highlights from the report.