Quickly after younger kestrel pair Jeff and Jenny meet, they welcome three wholesome chicks into the household. However tragedy strikes when Jeff disappears.  Younger kestrel pair Jeff & Jenny are beginning their first yr collectively. I’ve adopted Jeff’s story since he hatched, watching him develop from an inexperienced fledgling to assured bachelor.

Jeff’s story

At first, Jeff appeared a survivor. The youngest of kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes, he misplaced his mom while very younger. However with just a little assist from me and the champion efforts of single kestrel dad Mr Kes, he survived.

Weak fledgling

However this juvenile kestrel was at all times just a little weak. Final to fledge, he by no means left residence – inflicting confusion when Mr Kes started courting once more! However then Mr Kes disappeared and Jeff adopted the territory.

Jeff meets Jenny

Jeff’s courting method was awkward, however he obtained the grasp of it and he and Jenny started nesting.

Kestrel eggs

By Could 2023 Jenny had laid 4 brown, speckled eggs. The pair labored effectively collectively, sharing incubation duties, guarding the nest, and searching.

Kestrel chicks

In June three wholesome chicks hatch. The fourth egg fails. Jenny is now full time mum.

Younger kestrel household

While Jeff hunts to supply for his new household, Jenny is in command of sharing it out equally. However Jeff, who was himself raised by a male kestrel, isn’t opposed to serving up meals when Jenny isn’t round.

Purple kite assault

Then someday a purple kite swoops at Jeff. After a quick battle, Jeff appears to outwit it. However one thing is mistaken and he doesn’t return to the nest that day.

Chicks develop

Because the chicks develop Jeff continues to do a sterling job searching – and generally even serving up meals – for his younger household. Jeff doesn’t return Then someday Jeff doesn’t flip up. Jenny is clearly nervous, and I’m too. I go away a little bit of meals for Jenny and the chicks on a close-by department and verify the cameras. All I can see is the altercation with the purple kite and I fear he’s been predated or killed.

Jenny turns into a single mum

When Jeff doesn’t flip up the next day it’s clear one thing is mistaken. The chicks are so younger and Jenny can’t enterprise far to hunt for them herself. I begin placing meals out for the younger kestrel household extra continuously.

Chicks fledge

In July the chicks fledge. It’s superb to observe as one after the other they enterprise out of the nest and make their first, tentative flights. Jenny has proven unbelievable fortitude searching, defending and feeding them. What a tremendous single mum and what a tribute to their superb kestrel dad Jeff.