Kestrel Update 2016-9

[antoeknee]

In all the recent updates I was fairly convinced there was only 3 chicks but just to show that you can be surprised this was shot of the nest this afternoon.
Kestrel 2016-9 by tblake2007, on Flickr

So 4 chicks after all.

Have included this image as the chick on the left has turned round and you can see the flight feathers developing in the sheaths.
Kestrel 2016-9a by tblake2007, on Flickr

[Nathaniel]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

Nice. Keep going Ant. Very interesting.

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

Going to be a break for a little over a week as I'm going on holiday to South Wales.

The chicks will look quite a bit different over that time.

[Dawesy]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

Lovely shots mate

[Stan]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

just bundles of fluff at that age

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

just bundles of fluff at that age

Yep think that's why it was hard to establish the exact number.

Always think that young birds of prey look quite reptilian.

[John Liddle]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

Thank you for the latest episode Anthony - it is fascinating.

[tesarver]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

The brood is growing. Thanks for the update Ant.

Tom

[antoeknee]

Re: Kestrel Update 2016-9

4 is fairly average clutch size for kestrels. Don't think there is another one hiding in there.

It possible there is as much as 8 days difference in the age of the chicks as usually the female with lay one egg each day or every other day.

Going to look quite a bit different when I get back from holiday in little over a week.