When a kestrel hovers, it can keep its head totally still even in the strongest winds.
This allows them to spot small mammals by sight alone.
If it kills more than it needs, it will store what it does not eat. But, despite its prudence, this species is in trouble in Scotland and we are not entirely sure why.
It is in decline south of the Border as well, but not so dramatically, at worst around 25 per cent from 1995 to last year. This compares to 65 per cent in Scotland.
Suspicion has fallen on changes in farming practices, such as the move from spring-sown barley to autumn-sown wheat and oil seed rape. But there have been similar changes in agriculture in England.
Climate change and a rise in the use of second-generation rat poison have also been suggested.
One way or another, it is highly likely that RSPB Scotland's research will show that kestrel decline is man-made.
So it is refreshing and appropriate that those who borrow the raptor's name for their lager are helping fund the research.
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