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Andrew Marshall Wildlife Photography
Red footed falcon (Falco vespertinus): A rare occasional migrant bird of prey : A little smaller than the more familiar kestrel: this fabulous little falcon occasionally visits the Uk whilst on migration . Pictured here is a first summer male bird located in Staffordshire in July 2015. Some people have asked if the bird was 'baited' : Up to around 50 birders and photographers are watching this rare bird every day and some are offering it live food. The bird is clearly hungry and off its usual territory and this live food is helping it get back in condition. The birds welfare is foremost and (in my opinion) this is reasonable and no different to offering live mealworms to robins in the garden. Opinions differ on this and I think for now I will sit on the fence ! (and take the pictures).

Red footed falcon
The swoop : Red footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) about to grab a bite to eat.

Red footed falcon
Going to get you! Snatch and grab.

Red footed falcon
Take away! I dont like cricket....i love it !

Red footed falcon
Snatch and grab: making off with a locust!

Red footed falcon
Eating in the wing

Red footed falcon
On the wing: hovering

Red footed falcon
On the wire: Red footed falcon (Falco vespertinus).

Red footed falcon
Watching

Red footed falcon
Sitting pretty
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