Film | Kestrel Chicks Grow Fierce Ready For First Flights | Apollo & Athena

As kestrels Apollo & Athena’s chicks approached adulthood they became increasingly ferocious. Watch their competitive scuffles as they prepare for a life in the wild. 

Apollo & Athena

This kestrel pair are raising five chicks in difficult circumstances. A shortage of food in the area meant one chick perished and the adults are hunting round the clock to keep the remaining brood fed.

Chicks grow independent

But as they grow the chicks become increasingly competitive. Mealtimes are particularly ferocious and often end in a tug-of-war.

Ringing

Before their first flights, Jean Thorpe of Ryedale Rehabilitation, a licenced British Trust for Ornithology bird ringer, places ID rings, or tags, on their legs. This will ensure these birds can be identified if they’re found in the future.

Weights

The kestrels are also weighed and their weights, 270g, 225g, 300g, 255g, 260g and a little one at 215g, are recorded.

Fledge

At 33 days old the first chick fledges the nest, followed one by one and over the course of two days by all four of its siblings.

First month

hey remain close to the nest for another month where Apollo & Athena continue to feel them.

New generation

I too help this incredible kestrel family out by leaving food. It’s amazing to see a new generation of kestrels thrive.