Kestrels are often though of as "Apprentice birds" , in that most states force apprentices to chose between a kestrel and a red tail for those first 2 years.

Once that period is served / endured, most peeps "move up" to "sexier" birds like peregrines or prairies or goshawks (unwisely IMO)

I'm somewhat of an outlier there, as I've had at least one kestrel every year -- and probably always will.

they've got a super attitude and you can hunt successfully **literally** in a suburban back yard

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