An American Kestrel braces itself against the wind as it perches on a irrigation valve at Bosque Del Apache. Kestrels have expanded their historical territory because they are readily compatible with the man-made world. At Bosque Del Apache water from the Rio Grande River is diverted to provide year-round habitat for the creatures of the preserve. This Kestrel is surveying one of the many ponds that has been created throughout the preserve. Called the "sparrow hawk" because of its sparrow-like appearance, the Kestrel is certainly no sparrow when it comes to hunting.