The last of single kestrel dad Mr Kes' chicks has now fledged, following a final nutritious boost from me.

Watch Mr & Mrs Kes interact live on my nest cam:    • Live From Fotherdale | Robert E Fuller   and follow their story in this playlist:    • Kestrels  Mr & Mrs Kes | Wild Lives ...  

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Jeff The last keslett in the nest

Mr Kes' six kestrel chicks began fledging the nest from June 2nd, but this final chick, nicknamed Jeff, was slow to make its move and so I decided to give it a helping hand.

Mr Kes' role

Shortly before birds fledge the nest their parents withdraw food in a bid to encourage them out. This is a normal part of the process and is exactly what Mr Kes did. Once the chicks had made their first flights, he continued to feed them outside the nest. It worked and over the next three days one by one his kestrel chicks took their first flights into the world outside all except Jeff.

Jeff's boost

I waited several days to see if Jeff would follow, but when he didn't, I decided he was possibly still a little weaker than his siblings (Jeff is one of the chicks I had to take in for intensive care after their mother Mrs Kes disappeared). So I brought in a meal to give him a little boost. Then, just 20 hours later, he was off!

Heartening moments

Watching these kestrel chicks begin their independent lives is extra special given that these kesletts are lucky to be here at all. All six almost died after their mother, Mrs Kes, suddenly disappeared.

Thanks to single dad kestrel

But they got a second chance at life after their kestrel dad Mr Kes defied all expectations and took over sole charge of his kestrel chicks.

Mr Kes' story

Male kestrels are known for being incapable of breaking up food small enough for their chicks since normally this is the job of the female. In most cases where a female leaves the nest or dies, the chicks perish. But just look at how Mr Kes stepped up to the mark when his chicks needed him and mastered the skill:    • Kestrel Dad Learns to Feed his Chicks...  

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
Facebook:   / robertefullerart  
Twitter:   / robertefuller  
Instagram:   / robertefuller  

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© Robert E Fuller

Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to reupload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [email protected]

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