Four Kestrel chicks, Co. Kerry, 17th June 2013 (Photographed under licence, M.O'Clery)
It's been 10 days since we first visited the chick at this site in Co. Kerry (see, eg, this post HERE). There were five chicks then, now we are down to four, though all four seem healthy. It would be usual for the smallest of the chicks to succumb once times get tough, and perhaps the heavy rain and strong winds of the past few days meant there was not enough food arriving for all five.
Have a look at the video below, showing an insight into life in the nest box. It's getting a little dirty in there, though the chicks spend a good bit of time preening and cleaning themselves, even if their surrounds are now getting a little unsavoury. While waiting in between meals they doze, preen, excercise their wings, nibble at bits in the nest and huddle together for warmth and comfort.
Video of Kestrel chicks, Co. Kerry, 17th June 2013 (Filmed under licence, M.O'Clery)
