Almost, But Not Quite Ready

It won’t be long until this young American kestrel takes its first flight. Tonight it was hanging out of its nest box quite far, but not enough to fall to the ground.

I have watched many birds take their first flight, but never a kestrel. My question is do they spread their baby wings and fly right away or actual hit whatever is below and then try to get airborne again? Maybe this spring I will learn the answer?