The American kestrel is the smallest species of falcon, and eats insects, scorpions, snakes, and smaller birds. About four years ago, a kestrel landed on a man's head, quite unusual for any wild bird, much less a raptor. A wildlife rehabilitator concluded that he had imprinted on humans, which made him unfit for life in the wild. The kestrel, eventually named Ferrisburgh, was sent to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) to live.
Ferrisburgh had a good life with regular meals, and could even fly in his enclosure. He had a job as an ambassador, teaching the public about kestrels and their place in the ecosystem. But then he suffered a wing injury and can no longer fly. The staff looked for enrichment activities for Ferrisburgh, and decided to teach him how to paint! The kestrel has learned to walk through non-toxic paint and leave his footprints on a canvas. Ferrisburgh doesn't understand that he's creating art, but he seems to enjoy the activity, and loves the treats he gets for learning this behavior. Painting has become part of his public demonstration, too. Read more about Ferrisburgh and his art at Smithsonian.
(Image credit: Anna Morris)