Screengrabs from the video below. Feeding on a rat, a Pygmy Shrew, lots of napping, scratching, nibbling and flapping, all while keeping an eye out for the next meal.
Probably the last few days in the nest box for these three young Kestrels. Two are already exploring outside the box at times, though returning quickly if they see one of the adults returning with food. As the birds preen and stretch you can see how the wing and tail feathers have almost reached full length, and much of the down feathering is now gone. The parents have been providing regular feeds to the hungry chicks, and while one is nibbling at a half eaten rat at the back of the box, another gets a fresh delivery of a Pygmy Shrew which is swallowed whole.
The oldest chick is now regularly leaving the box to stand just outside, often exercising its' wings, and it will only be a matter of a day or two before all three do so, and the eldest will be able to make short flights to nearby branches. It is likely that they will still use the box to roost for a few more nights, but as their flying abilities rapidly improve, the whole family will take off and feed in nearby areas. The parents will still attend to them away form the nest until they are able to hunt for themselves.
Three Kestrel chicks, Co. Kerry, 10th June (Filmed under licence: M.O'Clery). You can see the video full-screen by clicking on the arrow icon on the bottom right.
Three Kestrel chicks, Co. Kerry, 10th June (Filmed under licence: M.O'Clery). You can see the video full-screen by clicking on the arrow icon on the bottom right.
