Keeping Up With the Kestrels: Goodbye Fledglings

Time flies when you’re having fun, and it seems our kestrel chicks took that literally! Over the past two months, our action-packed live stream of the Blackpool kestrel nest has captivated viewers, as we watched five tiny fluffballs transform into majestic fledglings ready to conquer the world.

From Fluff to Flight: The Journey of Kestrel Fledglings

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost four weeks since our last update, when the chicks were newly hatched and adorably scruffy. Fast forward, and those little balls of fluff have taken their first flights out of the nest. Yes, folks, it’s bittersweet—time flies and so do our kestrels!

For those just tuning in, our cameras have been live-streaming this kestrel nest in Blackpool for four years. This year we have been following the journey of this family closely and keeping you updated through blog posts and updates. 

Looking to relive the remarkable journey of these kestrel fledglings or seeking a dose of uplifting wildlife news? Let’s rewind to the beginning in this article and revisit the highlights from the past few weeks at the nest.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Our tale begins on April 16th when the female kestrel laid her clutch of five eggs. Less than a month later, we witnessed the hatching of all five, marking the beautiful beginnings of kestrel chick life.

Viewers couldn’t get enough of the five fluffballs as they seemed to grow before our very eyes! In our last update, when the chicks were just a week old, we marveled at the diligent kestrel dad bringing in prey to the nest—primarily voles and mice, with the occasional mole. Mama kestrel expertly dished these out into small chunks for the hungry chicks.

Growing Pains and Gains

Week two commenced and mom took a more laid-back approach, spending less time in the nest but still showing up for meal times, ensuring everyone got their fair share. The chicks weren’t old enough to feed themselves, but they were growing rapidly.

Week three brought more exciting developments as the nestlings started growing their first primary and tail feathers. Chick yoga became a thing, with the little ones regularly stretching and flapping their wings to strengthen those new feathers. With mom and dad acting like Uber Eats drivers, the nest was often overflowing with food, and the chicks were never hungry. At times, multiple meals were piling up in the nest because the chicks were too full to eat them all.

Everyone Get’s An Equal Share

As the chicks grew, so did their appetites and their independence. Mum kestrel was no longer hanging around to share out the food. So how did the chicks decide who gets to eat? 

Unlike some other birds of prey, kestrel chicks are remarkably civil, sharing food with minimal squabbles. It’s a first-come, first-served scenario, and despite occasional attempts to snatch a sibling’s meal, violence is rare in a kestrel nest. Kestrels even continue to roost together after fledging, showing their sibling bonds run deep.

Preparing For Flight

Week four came around. It seemed that the nest box was getting smaller and smaller, as our five now large chicks were outgrowing their nest box home. Kestrel fledglings leave the nest after around four weeks and as the chicks neared fledging age, they gave us some memorable moments. Who knew watching a chick swallow an entire vole could be so entertaining? 

It’s fascinating to see them work on fitting the whole prey item in, bones and all. Speaking of which, kestrels, like most birds of prey, eat their prey whole and regurgitate indigestible parts as pellets. These pellets, often mistaken by viewers as droppings, scatter across the bottom of the nest. Don’t worry, folks—it’s not what it looks like! The kestrel chicks do their best to aim their waste away from their cozy home.

As the chicks neared fledging age, they needed not only to be physically ready but mentally prepared too. Like us when we face new challenges, they had to build up the courage for their first flight. They practiced by balancing on the edge of the nest box and flapping their wings, building confidence for their first flights into the unknown.

Kestrel Fledging Feats

When it came to fledging, the first chick quietly left in the dark hours of night when our cameras weren’t running. The others weren’t far behind and left, thankfully whilst cameras were rolling, over the following few days. By June 20th, all five had made their brave leaps into the world. Experience their momentous fledging journey captured here.

What Now?

So, what happens next for our kestrel fledglings? Luckily, they won’t have to fend for themselves just yet. Common kestrel parents continue to feed their young for up to a month after fledging, giving the chicks time to learn how to hunt and fend for themselves. They’ll stick around the nearby area, often roosting together and perfecting their hunting skills.

Reflecting on the Kestrel Nest

Watching another successful breeding season on this kestrel nest has been a joy. It’s not just a delightful spectacle for viewers but a positive sign for kestrel conservation. Common kestrels are ‘amber listed’ in the UK due to population declines since the 1970s, largely related to the availability of nesting habitats. Artificial nest sites like this one play a crucial role in their conservation.

How You Play a Role in Bird Conservation

But it’s not just about the nest boxes for kestrels; you, the viewers, play a vital role in bird conservation more broadly. By tuning into our live streams and educating yourselves about bird behavior and ecology, you become advocates for all our feathered friends. Knowledge is power, and your awareness can lead to action.

• Spreading Awareness: Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. The more people know about the challenges birds face, the more support there will be for conservation efforts.
• Supporting Conservation Efforts: Consider supporting local and national wildlife organizations that work to protect birds and their habitats. Your donations and volunteer efforts can make a significant difference.
• Creating Bird-Friendly Environments: If you have the space and resources, installing bird boxes, like the Nest Box Live bird house, in your area can provide critical breeding sites for various bird species. Additionally, maintaining natural habitats, planting native vegetation, and reducing pesticide use can ensure a healthy environment for birds to thrive.