Kestrels, Apollo and Athena, are caring for five tiny hatchlings. It’s been a cold and dry spring at Ash Wood, so prey items are in short supply and the kestrels face their biggest challenge yet... to ensure the survival of their brood!

Watch Apollo & Athena interact live on my nest cam:    • Live From Ash Wood | Robert E Fuller   and follow their story in this playlist:    • Kestrels  Apollo & Athena | Wild Liv...  

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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The roles of the parents

It’s the role of the male kestrel, Apollo, to hunt and bring in food, while the chicks are so young. Athena, the female’s role is to brood the chicks, carefully feed them and defend the nest from intruders, such as a barn owl and interfering jackdaws.

Sad news

But, despite their best efforts the youngest chick dies of hunger. It’s heart breaking to watch. Athena decides to join Apollo in the search for food and she tries to balance the need to keep the chicks both warm and well fed. It’s a tough decision to have to make. The chicks could easily die if they get cold too.

Rodents are in short supply

Small birds such as sparrows and blue tits are brought in and fed to the kestrel chicks, it’s quite unusual as their favourite food is rodents. It’s clear that these must be in short supply this year.

Tragedy strikes again

The parents are away for such long periods, the chicks are getting cold and don’t look well. Tragedy strikes again when a second chick seems to be struggling.

I intervene

I am not willing to let another chick die without a fight, so I head up to Ash Wood to see if I can help. But sadly, the second chick just doesn’t make it.

Now only 3 chicks remain

Apollo & Athena now have fewer mouths to feed, and I am able to lend a helping hand, by putting food into the nest. Soon, the chicks are looking healthy again.

It's been a tough year

Apollo & Athena have worked so hard, facing their biggest challenge yet. They’ve had to make difficult decisions, balancing the need to keep the chicks either warm or fed. But thanks to their determination, and with a little help from me, these 3 chicks have survived and they’re well on their way to becoming strong young kestrels.

ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!

You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com
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Instagram:   / robertefuller  

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© Robert E Fuller

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