A Kestrel nest box on the Dingle Peninsula has been in place for four years now and is looking a little battered. The Kestrels have nested in three of those four years, producing three to five chicks each year. When visited today, the box was seen to have slid forward and downwards, and the 15 degree tilt led to thoughts that there was no way the Kestrels could nest, but sure enough, they had.
Because of the tilt of the box, all the pellet debris inside had slid to the very front of the box, and the chicks were nestled just inside the entrance, a precarious enough spot.
Kestrel nest box, Dingle Peninsula, with the chicks just visible near the front of the box (M.O'Clery. Photo taken under licence to NPWS).
Four tiny Kestrel chicks, and each only a few days old. The box was gently righted, and a few running repairs were made, then the birds were left in peace after a few quick photos. Check the blog again soon as we hope to have some nice footage of these chicks in the coming days and weeks.
Four Kestrel chicks, Dingle Peninsula, 9th May 2017 (M.O'Clery. Photo taken under licence to NPWS).
Four Kestrel chicks, Dingle Peninsula (M.O'Clery. Photo taken under licence to NPWS).
Four Kestrel chicks, Dingle Peninsula (M.O'Clery. Video taken under licence to NPWS).
Hit the 'four arrows' symbol for a full-screen view.
Hit the 'four arrows' symbol for a full-screen view.
