Film | First-Time Kestrel Pair’s Journey from Eggs to Chicks | Wild Lives | Jeff & Jenny

First-time couple Jeff and Jenny worked like a pro team to lay four eggs, of which three hatched successfully. 

It’s May and Kestrels Jeff and Jenny are courting at the Sycamore Stump nest, and it’s amazing to watch their story unfold. Jeff and Jenny are young birds, and this is their first time pairing up. Jeff is busy hunting to bring in food for Jenny. These gifts help prove he’ll be able to care for her and their future brood. And the pair are mating regularly… whatever the weather!

First egg

On the 12th of May, Jenny digs a nest scrape as she prepares to lay. And as Jenny begins contractions, Jeff stands guard outside. Not long after, she leaves the nest, revealing a first egg. Kestrel eggs are usually a darker chestnut brown, but sometimes first eggs can be pale.

Jeff sees first egg

While Jenny takes a break, Jeff sees the egg for the first time – checking it over with his beak and talons. Kestrel eggs aren’t incubated straight away. Instead, brooding typically begins when the third egg has been laid. Jenny sits out in the entrance to stand guard. It’s just as well as a barn owl swipes at her as it flies past.

More kestrel eggs

2 days later Jenny lays her second egg and over the next four days, Jenny lays a third egg and then a fourth egg which completes the clutch.

Incubation starts

The pair start incubation. For the next month, the eggs must be kept at the perfect temperature. Jeff has a go at incubating the eggs for the first time! Both take turns brooding, but Jenny does the lion’s share

Hatching

30 days since incubation began, Jenny looks restless and just before 5AM, she lifts a wing, revealing the first chick! 17 minutes later, I spot a second hatchling, too! Jenny pulls the eggshells from under her, and gently nibbles the edges, they’re full of nutrients and she’ll need to be in prime condition to raise her chicks!

Jeff sees the chicks

Soon Jeff arrives for his shift. He heads in and sees the chicks for the first time! Jeff gently check them over with his beak. Jeff goes out hunting and delivers his catch. It’s a lizard, a real delicacy for kestrels. And Jenny gets to work, tearing it into small mouthfuls to feed the chicks.

Third chick hatches, but fourth egg doesn’t Later on, a third chick breaking out from its egg. But the fourth egg doesn’t hatch.

Healthy brood

First-time parents Jeff and Jenny have done so well! It’s been incredible to watch them pair up, lay eggs, and welcome three healthy hatchlings! They’ve now got the tough job of raising the chicks, but I’m sure these hard-working kestrels are up to the challenge!