swallows buzzing / chasing off a kestrel?

[nmayhew]

Hi,
I am sitting out in my fields and have been watching swallows and housemartins fly around over me (they live n stables just up the lane).
Anyway, a kestrel came cruising over and 2 or 3 swallows chased after it and buzzed very close indeed before flying on past.
The kestrel seemed put off and flew away.
Is this usual??
I know my birds (a bit anyway), so am sure I have correctly identified both the kestrel and the other two.
we also have sparrowhawks around here and I am guessing they would not be so bold with that bird of prey right?
Cheers
Nick

[Two_Sheds]

Yeah, it's in their interest to get an attack in first

[scarey55]

I think it is quite normal. We have swallows here and they often "have a go" at a kestrel when he/she flies over. I think that, the kestrel just wants to get from A to B and isn't at all interested in swallows - now, if it were a hobby, you would have seen a very different outcome

[pauco]

Hi,
I am sitting out in my fields and have been watching swallows and housemartins fly around over me (they live n stables just up the lane).
Anyway, a kestrel came cruising over and 2 or 3 swallows chased after it and buzzed very close indeed before flying on past.
The kestrel seemed put off and flew away.
Is this usual??
I know my birds (a bit anyway), so am sure I have correctly identified both the kestrel and the other two.
we also have sparrowhawks around here and I am guessing they would not be so bold with that bird of prey right?
Cheers
Nick

Even a Sparrowhawk would think twice about trying to match a Swallow for speed, Hawks like their prey on the ground, as they can even chase them if push comes to shove.

paul.

[Gro-Bag]

I've seen sand-martins do this with crows.