When the mother of these six kestrel chicks disappeared, I took three in for extra care. This film takes up the story as they return to the nest.

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 ...  

JOIN MY MISSION
____________________

You can support my wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work by donating here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s... or joining one of my supporter communities: https://www.robertefuller.com/support...

ABOUT THIS FILM
____________________

Kestrel chicks need help

When Mrs Kes disappeared, her six kestrel chicks could not survive without her. The youngest three were particularly weak so I took them in to my care. But I decided to leave the older three in the nest, where their kestrel dad Mr Kes was learning to take on the role of full time carer.

Kestrel male needs support

But despite working extra hard to hunt, brood and feed his chicks, Mr Kes wasn't getting enough food to his chicks. So I helped out and took extra food to the kestrel chicks in the nest and soon they began to grow, learning to walk on shaky legs and flapping their wings for the first time.

Rescued chicks

Meanwhile, I fed the younger three chicks six times a day and kept them warm indoors until they were ready to go back into the kestrel nest with their siblings.

Back in the nest

I gave the chicks one last feed before returning them one by one to the kestrel nest. The chicks squawked noisily as I placed them back in, a good sign that they are strong again! But their siblings seemed scared and it is a while before all six kestrel chicks settle down.

Reunited with kestrel dad

Then its time for the most important reunion. Kestrel dad Mr Kes arrives with a mouse for his hungry brood. He's so focussed on the job of sharing out the meal he doesnt seem to noticed the second half of his brood is back!

Next time

In my next film I'll be showing you how all six kestrel chicks go on to thrive and begin to take an interest in the world beyond the nest. Subscribe to my channel to get early notifications of its release.

ABOUT ME
_____________

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  

CHAPTERS
_____________

00:00 Kestrel Chicks Left Alone
00:18 Youngest 3 Need Extra Care
00:39 Mr Kes Cares For Other 3
01:10 I Help Feed Them
01:48 Care Of 3 Younger Chicks
02:05 Older Chicks Grow Strong
02:22 First Wing Flap
02:53 Rescue Chicks Final Feed
04:08 Return To Nest
05:40 Sibling Reaction To Return
06:12 Reunited With Kestrel Dad Mr Kes
06:54 Next Time Chicks Thrive
07:13 End Titles

___________________
© 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]

#robertefuller #kestrel #wildlives