Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

[antoeknee]

Bit late in posting these from a few days ago, few things to attend to.

Chicks are growing fast and there is lots of wing flapping and signs of feathers developing
Kestrel 2018-52 by tblake2007, on Flickr

Favourite prey item seems to short tailed vole, male brought this one to the nest site.
Kestrel 2018-57 by tblake2007, on Flickr

And a bit later brought a different prey, what I think is common shrew. Female took of him to feed the chicks
Kestrel 2018-53 by tblake2007, on Flickr

She took to the nest and what is probably the oldest chick decided to try and swallow the whole thing
Kestrel 2018-55 by tblake2007, on Flickr

Despite trying several times it couldn't manage to get it down and female pulled out of its mouth, ripped it up to feed the chicks.

Over 40 minutes or so 3 prey items were brought to the nest. This amount of food means even the youngest is getting fed.

[tesarver]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Thanks for the update Ant


Tom

[Trev B]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Excellent Ant, Thanks

[John Liddle]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Thanks Anthony - I love the last image - typical greedy child!

[Stan]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

fluffy bundles

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Popped round this morning but light really poor.

However thought I'd post this image as it shows the oldest chick (just off centre) and the youngest, left.

As you can see quite a difference due to at least 5 days difference in age. Development of the chicks over past few days also quite noticeable.
Kestrel 2018-58 by tblake2007, on Flickr

[pelliott1954]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Excellent update, interesting to see the development

Paul

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel 2018 Family Update 6

Thanks for comments.

Feel lucky to be able photograph this site. Been a few years now but still great to see the development of the chicks and there always seem to be some new activity each year.