Kestrel chicks are now starting to fledge, with several nests noted lately with well-grown birds now taking their first flights. Below, one such nest in West Kerry, with at least 5, possibly 6 chicks. The age difference between the oldest and youngest is striking, the youngest still fully covered in white down, the eldest almost adult-looking. There would be about two weeks age difference between these two.
Well-developed young Kestrels, able to make short flights around the nest site (M.O'Clery)
The eldest Kestrel chick, next to the youngest - quite a difference in ages (M.O'Clery).
