Kestrel Update 2016-7

[antoeknee]

The chicks are growing quite quickly and there is a lot of movement in the nest. Still unable to determine the exact number, there are at least three. Some evidence of feathers starting to appear too.

Adults seem quite happy to leave them alone whilst they go off hunting.
Kestrel 2016-7 by tblake2007, on Flickr

[tesarver]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Thanks

Tom

[John Liddle]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Thank you for the latest episode in the saga!

[lunarbo]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

I would appreciate some background on your kestrel saga....

Is this a created environment for the mating pair or just a happy coincidence that you can see them?

How far away are you and with what concealment?

I presume venue is in northeast england, no need to be specific for obvious reasons

lovely to see the unfolding saga, many thanks for sharing

[Nathaniel]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Thanks for sharing the continuing saga.

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

I would appreciate some background on your kestrel saga....

Is this a created environment for the mating pair or just a happy coincidence that you can see them?

How far away are you and with what concealment?

I presume venue is in northeast england, no need to be specific for obvious reasons

lovely to see the unfolding saga, many thanks for sharing

No problem I'll try and answer your questions.

I live in a Pennine village (Northwest England) and there is a history of wool processing in the area.

The environment isn't a created one and its indeed very fortunate that the nest is easy to observe. They nest is in what looks like a duct in the side of an old woollen mill. Talking to people who have lived in the village for a lot longer than me it appears kestrels have nested in this site for 20+ years.

Its amazingly easy to see and most local people know it well. Due to topography you can stand on an adjacent hillside and the nest is at head height. Its still some distance away maybe 50-60yds. The building is 4 floors and the site is between the 3rd and 4th floor.

This is full frame shot using my 5D3 and Sigma at 600mm, so all the shots you see are significant crops.
Full Frame by tblake2007, on Flickr

A rock band practices in the room with the window to the left in the image and the birds don't seem bothered. When I am taking photographs I'm not concealed from the birds at all but the distance from the nest means they keep an eye on me but are not disturbed.

There is a canal path within 25yds but the nest is not at all obvious from there.

I believe the local RSPB group rings the chicks each year, assume there is access from within the building.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Well explained Ant. Thanks a lot.

[lunarbo]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Thanks for the information, much appreciated

A rock band practices in the room with the window to the left in the image and the birds don't seem bothered

Nevertheless I bet they mutter "I grew up here and it weren't this noisy when I were a lad!"

[Tigger]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-7

Nevertheless I bet they mutter "I grew up here and it weren't this noisy when I were a lad!"

another fine shot Ant