Bird identification?

[LotusMartin]

I’ve had a bird roosting on the side of my barn at night for a few weeks, definitely a bird of prey. We’ve named him Kevin the kestrell but my bird identification might be a bit off. any ideas?

[LotusMartin]

I’m in North Devon - edge of Exmoor if that makes any difference. i’m thinking Kestrell but it might be a merlin, I know they’ve been spotted round here, just so difficult to get a clear photo

[Equus]

Difficult to be sure from those photos, but I'd say kestrel, on account of the dark wingtips/brown back.

Tiercel Merlins have dark wingtips, but a slate grey back. Falcon (female) Merlins have a brown back, but not the pronouncedly darker wingtips.

[Boosted LS1]

If the head and tail are grey then it's a male kestrel. Juveniles and females will be brown and speckled.

[Evoluzione]

Your bird ID is better than your photography that's for sure, but that's not saying much.

[LotusMartin]

Evoluzione said:

Your bird ID is better than your photography that's for sure, but that's not saying much.

It was dark so my torch and iphone did the best they could! He’s surprising tolerant of the torch now. He used to fly off as soon as the dogs appeared but now he just sits there. Will try and get a better photo

[LotusMartin]

Tried my best but he’d had enough of a torch in the face lol

[zygalski]

100% a kestrel.

[LordGrover]

I may be mistaken, but I think it's Keith not Kevin.

[Equus]

LordGrover said:

I may be mistaken, but I think it's Keith not Kevin.

More likely to be Kathy

[LotusMartin]

In think Kathy might be more accurate! I built her a nesting box today and attached it next to where she roosts. I’ll get a picture tomorrow in the morning as you have all experienced my nighttime photography skills...

[Nightmare]

Yep I reckon Kestrel too (but only from the flying pic - the others could be anything!)

[LotusMartin]

Kathys new home.

[Nightmare]

Very very awesome - though she doesn’t seem to have entirely understood it