This bird seems to defy gravity as it perches on a thin branch. American Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America, with the broadest range—they breed from the northern tip of the U.S. to the southern tip of Argentina. They gravitate toward human activity, like near pastures and parks, or even in urban areas, where they can easily spot prey. In recent years, invasive species like the European Starling have caused a decline of Kestrels, but from various ÃÛèÖAPP centers have provided the birds with and pasture land. Climate change is also a for these birds.
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This image was a Top 100 photo from the 2011 ÃÛèÖAPP Magazine Photography Awards. To see all photos, .