Kestrels Apollo & Athena turn into the right parenting staff as they overcome a collection of challenges to boost 5 chicks.
After a rocky first 12 months, wherein this kestrel couple’s relationship was clearly strained, the male Apollo now is aware of simply learn how to appease his older, extra dominant mate, Athena. Watch him bathe her in presents as their courtship develops.
Kestrel courtship
Kestrel courtship rituals start with the male securing a website and ‘presenting’ it to the feminine for her approval. However when Apollo chooses Ash Hole, the nest field I constructed particularly for this couple in Ash Wooden, he finds he has to combat off opponents, together with jackdaws, a buzzard, and as soon as even a stoat!
Egg laying
On April 1st Athena lays her first egg after which lays an additional 5 – producing one roughly each two days.
Relationship pressure
However the pressure of egg-laying means Athena often lashes out. Watch poor Apollo climb the partitions to get out of her approach.
Nest assaults
However the couple be taught to come back collectively when jackdaws assault. Watch them combat as a staff to see them off.
Chicks hatch
35 days after it was laid, the primary chick hatches. It’s lined in white downy feathers and it’s eyes are closed. Then, 4 hours later, the second emerges and Apollo arrives to examine his new offspring.
First days
The 2 older chicks eyes are already open at lower than 12 hours outdated, the fifth hatches the following day however it’s a full two days earlier than the sixth and last chick hatches.
Apollo hunts
Apollo should now work onerous to feed his household. However the drought means there’s little meals about and Athena steps in to assist.
Chicks hungry
It quickly turns into clear that meals is scarce and when Athena returns from looking episodes with just some worms I develop anxious.
Youngest chick dies
The youngest chick is quite a bit smaller than the others …and finally I determine to intervene however I can not reserve it.
Chicks develop unbiased
The remaining chicks develop more and more aggressive and mealtimes turn into ferocious as they combat over meals. Usually there’s a tug-of-war.
Ringing
Earlier than their first flights, Jean Thorpe of Ryedale Rehabilitation, a licenced British Belief for Ornithology hen ringer, locations ID rings, or tags, on their legs. This can guarantee these birds could be recognized in the event that they’re discovered sooner or later.
Weights
The kestrels are additionally weighed and their weights, 270g, 225g, 300g, 255g, 260g and somewhat one at 215g, are recorded.
Fledge
At 33 days outdated the primary chick fledges the nest, adopted one after the other and over the course of two days by all 4 of its siblings.
First month
They continue to be near the nest for one more month the place Apollo & Athena proceed to really feel them.
New era
I too assist this unimaginable kestrel household out by leaving meals. It’s superb to see a brand new era of kestrels thrive.