Honorable Mention, Pam Dorner
American Kestrel surrounded by shimmering leaves of gold bokeh at Bosque del Apache NWR. Many people know Bosque del Apache for sandhill cranes, snow geese, eagles and beautiful landscapes. The refuge also has many amazing smaller birds that call the refuge home such as the American Kestrel. The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. Many times it will hunt by sitting on a perch and scanning the ground for prey. What caught my eye was the way the fall leaves in the background formed a golden bokeh around this colorful raptor.