American Kestrel pair caught in the act

It is by complete luck that I captured this sequence.  I was taking pictures of the female American Kestrel when suddenly a male appears in my viewfinder as well.  They proceed to mate with me snapping away just below them.  Neat to witness but perhaps they should have gotten a room.  😉

Taken in Thornton, Colorado.  Scroll down to view the entire sequence.

Female American Kestrel

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 1 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 2 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 3 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 4 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 5 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 6 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 7 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 8 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 9 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 10 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 11 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 12 of 13

American Kestrel Mating Sequence - 13 of 13

Female American Kestrel landing

Female American Kestrel landing

Failed Great Horned Owl Nest