Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/ Species photography guide # Lesser Kestrel Photography Holidays *Falco naumanni* Explore our Lesser Kestrel photography holidays in [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/), built around field time with this species during the breeding season.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lesser-kestrel/#nl-species-related) ![Lesser Kestrel photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Lesser-Kestrel-on-a-rooftop-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg) ## At a glance Trips3 associated holidays Where[Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/) Led by[Ian Roberts](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) Species profile ## About this species The Lesser Kestrel is a small migratory falcon found across southern Europe, central Asia & Africa. It closely resembles the Common Kestrel but is slightly smaller, with the male displaying unspotted chestnut upperparts & blue-grey wing patches. It is a colonial nester, often breeding in old buildings, cliffs & ruins, & feeds primarily on insects caught in flight. **Habitat** Open grasslands, steppes, cultivated farmland & semi-arid plains. Breeds colonially in old stone buildings, ruins, cliff faces & traditional farmhouses across southern Europe & central Asia. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_kestrel) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Lesser Kestrel with us in [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/). These departures are part of our [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) programme. In the field, [Ian Roberts](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Late spring to early summer (May to June) during the breeding season, when birds are most active around colonies. Early morning hours provide the best light & peak activity. **Approach** Photograph near known colony sites where birds return regularly to roost & nest, allowing you to anticipate flight paths & pre-focus your lens. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/2000s to freeze the birds mid-flight as they hover & dive for insects. Early morning light at colony sites provides warm, directional light & the birds tend to be most active, giving excellent opportunities for in-flight & perched shots. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Black Kite](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-kite/)[Golden Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/golden-eagle/)[Griffon Vulture](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/griffon-vulture/)[Red Kite](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/red-kite/)[Azure-winged Magpie](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/azure-winged-magpie/)[Booted Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/booted-eagle/)[Common Buzzard](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-buzzard/)[Red Fox](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/red-fox/)[Bonelli's Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bonellis-eagle/)[Egyptian Vulture](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/egyptian-vulture/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Lesser Kestrel The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection Ian Roberts leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Lesser Kestrel in the field. [Meet Ian](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) ![Birds of Extremadura](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Lesser-Kestrel-on-a-rooftop-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg) #### Related holiday Birds of Extremadura gives guests time in Spain where Lesser Kestrel can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birds-of-extremadura-2027/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Lesser Kestrel is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Lesser Kestrel in Spain. During our photography holidays, the Lesser Kestrel is often photographed alongside Black Kite, Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Red Kite, Azure-winged Magpie, & Booted Eagle. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Photography themes commonly associated with this species include majestic golden eagles & spanish birds from specialist hides. Single occupancy Group Size: 4-5 guests Experienced guidance 3 departures - [![Join Us For The Birds of Extremadura Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Lesser-Kestrel-on-a-rooftop-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birds-of-extremadura-2027/) ### 4th - 11th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura **Location:** Spain Travel to Extremadura during April 2027 for a small-group wildlife photography holiday led by Ian, with opportunities to photograph Eagles, Kestrels, Kites plus many more species. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£3749** Guided By **Ian Roberts** [View Birds of Extremadura](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birds-of-extremadura-2027/) - [![Join Us For The Birdlife of Northern Spain Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a-kite-banks-in-flight-above-the-areas-used-for-the-natureslens-eagles-other-birdlife-of-northern-spain-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birdlife-of-northern-spain/) ### 11th - 18th Apr 2027 - Birdlife of Northern Spain **Location:** Spain Capture images with us during a wildlife photography holiday in Northern Spain, scheduled for April 2027, focused on mountain, plains & woodland birds. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£2299** Guided By **Ian Roberts** [View Birdlife of Northern Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birdlife-of-northern-spain/) - [![Join Us For The Birds of Extremadura Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/A-Lesser-Kestrel-on-a-rooftop-photographed-on-the-estate-used-for-the-NaturesLens-Birds-of-Extremadura-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birds-of-extremadura/) Limited Places ### 18th - 25th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura **Location:** Spain Travel to Spain during April 2027 for a small-group wildlife photography holiday led by Ian, with opportunities to photograph Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Black Kite. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£3749** Guided By **Ian Roberts** [View Birds of Extremadura](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birds-of-extremadura/) -