Paul Norwood called me to report an American Kestrel between Keet Gooshi Heen and the Kimsham Ballfields. This female bird appeared to be hunting as it was flying between different perches and looking around intently. A couple of times it was chased by crows, but for the 30 minutes or so I was there, it kept coming back.
Kestrels are infrequently reported (it’s been several years, I think), and if they move through the Sitka area every year, it’s probably only in small numbers or very quickly. It may be their habitat preferences are such that they don’t find much here that appeals and so don’t stick around long enough for anyone to see them most of the time.
Great Photo Matt!