Kestrel Nest Site

[DavyG]

I took some time out today to capture some pics of these fledgeling Kestrels before they left their nest site.

Their parents chose to raise the chicks in a lovely rural setting, however it's on a fairly busy site.

Last year the chicks all died, this year all three look as if they'll be on the wing within a couple of days, it's great to see they managed to raise three chicks successfully.



Dave

[mh68]

Cracking shot Davy. What happened to last year`s birds?

Mark H

[snake]

Fantatic pic of a beautiful bird.
When they leave the nest they usually stay close to the nest site for a day or two.
You should be able to get some good shots of them trying their wings.

[rlchew]

What a wonderful picture.

I think a lot of us maybe take Kestrels for granted but in fact their population is declining unlike many other UK birds of prey which are doing well.

Let's hope these guys have a bright future.

Richard

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by rlchew

What a wonderful picture.

I think a lot of us maybe take Kestrels for granted but in fact their population is declining unlike many other UK birds of prey which are doing well.

Let's hope these guys have a bright future.

Richard

I certainly don't take them for granted, a day with a kestrel is a better day. Are they declining again? (I really want to know, not doubting you at all). The hover is so lightening to see, it never fails to cheer me up.

I know they had a real plunge in numbers from pesticides, any pointers to what is happening now?

[Kayleigh]

Lovely shot Dave. Hope the all survive..

[deer boy]

Great pic & great news

[demicav]

Gorgeous picture, hope they all make it.

[DavyG]

Originally Posted by mh68

Cracking shot Davy. What happened to last year`s birds?

Mark H

Hi Mark,

I believe the parents abandoned the nest within a couple of weeks of the chicks hatching.

I understand this was caused through crows mobbing the parents and/or stealing the food they were taking to the chicks.

One chick eventually fell from the nest and broke a bone, this chick was rescued by one of the people who also work on the site who is experienced in keeping birds of prey.

He then nursed the chick for a month, just when it looked like it was going to make it, it died.

I received this information second hand so I can't verify the part about the crows, although we do have a lot of crows and jackdaws around.

We were all surprised to see the nest site being used again, it looks like they've been very successful, maybe last year was their first attempt?

Dave

[DavyG]

Thanks to everyone for looking and commenting.

Let's hope they all survive to raise chicks of their own.

Dave

[mh68]

Originally Posted by DavyG

Hi Mark,

I believe the parents abandoned the nest within a couple of weeks of the chicks hatching.

I understand this was caused through crows mobbing the parents and/or stealing the food they were taking to the chicks.

One chick eventually fell from the nest and broke a bone, this chick was rescued by one of the people who also work on the site who is experienced in keeping birds of prey.

He then nursed the chick for a month, just when it looked like it was going to make it, it died.

I received this information second hand so I can't verify the part about the crows, although we do have a lot of crows and jackdaws around.

We were all surprised to see the nest site being used again, it looks like they've been very successful, maybe last year was their first attempt?

Dave

That`s very sad Davy. Fingers crossed this year`s brood is successful. I`ve no idea regarding your question, but it`d be interesting to hear others` thoughts...

Mark H

[big bill]

Great pic Dave well done glad they all fledged safely this year

[RobinP]

Fantastic pic, one of the best I've seen on this site, and one of my fave birds too, great to hear they are doing so well.

[DavyG]

Thanks for your kind comments Bill and Robin.

I appreciate the feedback.

Dave