American Kestrel
Falco sparverius
This American Kestrel was observed by the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, accessed via EBMUD permit from the Valle Vista Staging Area in Moraga, CA on Oct. 12, 2014. The American Kestrel is our smallest falcon, its body length similar to that of an American Robin. I have visited Valle Vista numerous times, and during each visit to date, I have always seen one or more American Kestrels. Sometimes they are visible right from the parking lot of the Staging Area; other times I have seen them in the hilly meadows near the horse corral on the south side of the Reservoir.