Quickly after younger kestrel pair Jeff and Jenny meet, they welcome three wholesome chicks into the household. However tragedy strikes when Jeff disappears. Younger kestrel pair Jeff & Jenny are beginning their first 12 months collectively. I’ve adopted Jeff’s story since he hatched, watching him develop from an inexperienced fledgling to assured bachelor.
Jeff’s story
At first, Jeff appeared a survivor. The youngest of kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes, he misplaced his mom while very younger. However with just a little assist from me and the champion efforts of single kestrel dad Mr Kes, he survived.
Weak fledgling
However this juvenile kestrel was all the time just a little weak. Final to fledge, he by no means left residence – inflicting confusion when Mr Kes started courting once more! However then Mr Kes disappeared and Jeff adopted the territory.
Jeff meets Jenny
Jeff’s courting approach was awkward, however he bought the hold of it and he and Jenny started nesting.
Kestrel eggs
By Might 2023 Jenny had laid 4 brown, speckled eggs. The pair labored nicely collectively, sharing incubation duties, guarding the nest, and looking.
Kestrel chicks
In June three wholesome chicks hatch. The fourth egg fails. Jenny is now full time mum.
Younger kestrel household
While Jeff hunts to offer for his new household, Jenny is accountable for sharing it out equally. However Jeff, who was himself raised by a male kestrel, isn’t hostile to serving up meals when Jenny isn’t round.
Crimson kite assault
Then someday a pink kite swoops at Jeff. After a short battle, Jeff appears to outwit it. However one thing is unsuitable and he doesn’t return to the nest that day.
Chicks develop
Because the chicks develop Jeff continues to do a sterling job looking – and typically even serving up meals – for his younger household. Jeff doesn’t return Then someday Jeff doesn’t flip up. Jenny is clearly apprehensive, and I’m too. I depart a little bit of meals for Jenny and the chicks on a close-by department and examine the cameras. All I can see is the altercation with the pink kite and I fear he’s been predated or killed.
Jenny turns into a single mum
When Jeff doesn’t flip up the next day it’s clear one thing is unsuitable. The chicks are so younger and Jenny can’t enterprise far to hunt for them herself. I begin placing meals out for the younger kestrel household extra regularly.
Chicks fledge
In July the chicks fledge. It’s superb to observe as one after the other they enterprise out of the nest and make their first, tentative flights. Jenny has proven unimaginable fortitude looking, defending and feeding them. What an incredible single mum and what a tribute to their superb kestrel dad Jeff.