Latest update on the kestrel nest.
Last posted about week and half ago before I went on holiday and we've had couple of days of grey low cloud days since I got back.
Today started nice and bright so time to check on things.
As you can see the chicks have grown a lot in the intervening time and are nearly as large as an adult.
Kestrel 2017-10 by tblake2007, on Flickr
At this time still thought there was three chicks when the female left a fourth head was visible
Kestrel 2017-11 by tblake2007, on Flickr
There was lots of movement in the nest, wing stretching etc. and it became apparent there were 5 chicks. 4 on the right and another as grey lump on left
Kestrel 2017-12 by tblake2007, on Flickr
After few minutes the female returned with a prey item, feathers are quite wet as grass was very wet from overnight rain
Kestrel 2017-15 by tblake2007, on Flickr
One chick grabbed the rodent and proceeded to swallow it. You can see all 5 chicks clearly this time.
Kestrel 2017-16 by tblake2007, on Flickr
Really good to see 5 chicks again this year (a good number for kestrel) as it means there is plenty of food.
Last posted about week and half ago before I went on holiday and we've had couple of days of grey low cloud days since I got back.
Today started nice and bright so time to check on things.
As you can see the chicks have grown a lot in the intervening time and are nearly as large as an adult.
Kestrel 2017-10 by tblake2007, on FlickrAt this time still thought there was three chicks when the female left a fourth head was visible
Kestrel 2017-11 by tblake2007, on FlickrThere was lots of movement in the nest, wing stretching etc. and it became apparent there were 5 chicks. 4 on the right and another as grey lump on left
Kestrel 2017-12 by tblake2007, on FlickrAfter few minutes the female returned with a prey item, feathers are quite wet as grass was very wet from overnight rain
Kestrel 2017-15 by tblake2007, on FlickrOne chick grabbed the rodent and proceeded to swallow it. You can see all 5 chicks clearly this time.
Kestrel 2017-16 by tblake2007, on FlickrReally good to see 5 chicks again this year (a good number for kestrel) as it means there is plenty of food.
Thanks for the update
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