The Kestrel chicks in a nestbox on the Dingle Peninsula are doing well, and growing fast. We're getting lots of valuable video from this nest but, for the moment, here's a quick update and a short video clip of the youngsters.
The nest box is high in this isolated Sitka Spruce on the Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry (M.O'Clery).
The nest box (M.O'Clery).
The male Kestrel now only visits the nest to drop off the latest catch.
The female is now out hunting occasionally, but also still spending extended periods 'brooding' the youngsters (sitting on them to keep them warm). It won't be too long before they are big enough to be left on their own at the nest, both parents then able to hunt for the voracious, ever-growing young Kestrels.
The male Kestrel drops off another tasty morsel. The female has been feeding the chicks a Pied Wagtail fledgling. The male has brought another bird to the nest, though the species is unclear
The female is now out hunting occasionally, but also still spending extended periods 'brooding' the youngsters (sitting on them to keep them warm). It won't be too long before they are big enough to be left on their own at the nest, both parents then able to hunt for the voracious, ever-growing young Kestrels.
Kestrel nestlings - junior takes a tumble, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry (M.O'Clery, under licence from NPWS).
More on this nest site soon.
