Kestrel Hunting Dragonflies at Bushy Park – A Surprising First Visit

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! A first visit to Bushy Park on the 19th of July 2026 turned into a truly memorable experience, with an unexpected wildlife encounter that showcased just how fascinating and unpredictable nature can be. New locations always bring the excitement of discovering what might appear, and this visit delivered something I had never witnessed before.

While exploring the park, I was lucky enough to watch a Kestrel hunting dragonflies — a behaviour that completely challenged my usual expectations of this species. Rather than hovering over open fields searching for small mammals, this Kestrel was displaying hunting techniques more commonly associated with a Hobby, expertly chasing and catching insects on the wing.

After making a successful catch, the Kestrel continued its aerial display by dismantling its prey while still in flight before returning to the hunt. Watching such precise control and agility from a bird of prey was an incredible experience, and a reminder that wildlife behaviour is often full of surprises.

Moments like this are what make spending time in the field so rewarding. You can visit a new location with certain expectations, but nature always has the ability to offer something completely unexpected. My first visit to Bushy Park was certainly made special by this remarkable encounter.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from across the UK. Every visit brings new discoveries, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field soon.