Kestrel Family Success After Tragic Loss | Jeff & Jenny | Full Story | Robert E Fuller

Soon after young kestrel pair Jeff and Jenny meet, they welcome three healthy chicks into the family. But tragedy strikes when Jeff disappears.

Date filmed: 2023

Watch kestrels interact live on my nest cams:    • Live From Fotherdale | Robert E Fuller   and    • Live From Ash Wood | Robert E Fuller  ] and follow the story of Jeff & Jenny in this playlist:    • Kestrels 🦅 Jeff  & Jenny | Wild Lives...  

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ABOUT THIS FILM
Young kestrel pair Jeff & Jenny are starting their first year together. I've followed Jeff's story since he hatched, watching him grow from an inexperienced fledgling to confident bachelor.

Jeff's story
At first, Jeff seemed a survivor. The youngest of kestrel pair Mr & Mrs Kes, he lost his mother whilst very young. But with a little help from me and the champion efforts of single kestrel dad Mr Kes, he survived.

Weak fledgling
But this juvenile kestrel was always a little weak. Last to fledge, he never left home - causing confusion when Mr Kes began courting again! But then Mr Kes disappeared and Jeff adopted the territory.

Jeff meets Jenny
Jeff's courting technique was awkward, but he got the hang of it and he and Jenny began nesting.

Kestrel eggs
By May 2023 Jenny had laid four brown, speckled eggs. The pair worked well together, sharing incubation duties, guarding the nest, and hunting.

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

Young kestrel family
Whilst Jeff hunts to provide for his new family, Jenny is in charge of sharing it out equally. But Jeff, who was himself raised by a male kestrel, isn't adverse to serving up meals when Jenny is not around.

Red kite attack
Then one day a red kite swoops at Jeff. After a brief battle, Jeff seems to outwit it. But something is wrong and he doesn't return to the nest that day.

Chicks grow
As the chicks grow Jeff continues to do a sterling job hunting - and sometimes even serving up meals - for his young family.

Jeff doesn't return
Then one day Jeff doesn't turn up. Jenny is clearly worried, and I am too. I leave a bit of food for Jenny and the chicks on a nearby branch and check the cameras. All I can see is the altercation with the red kite and I worry he's been predated or killed.

Jenny becomes a single mum
When Jeff doesn't turn up the following day it's clear something is wrong. The chicks are so young and Jenny can't venture far to hunt for them herself. I start putting food out for the young kestrel family more frequently.

Chicks fledge
In July the chicks fledge. It's amazing to watch as one by one they venture out of the nest and make their first, tentative flights.

Jenny has shown incredible fortitude hunting, protecting and feeding them. What an amazing single mum and what a tribute to their amazing kestrel dad Jeff.

ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!

You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com
Facebook:   / robertefullerart  
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#robertefuller #kestrel #wildlives #jeffandjenny

CHAPTERS
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00:00 Jeff & Jenny’s story
00:39 Jeff’s early days
04:20 Mr Kes courting Jeff
05:28 Jeff takes over territory
08:26 Jeff begins courtship
09:25 Jeff meets Jenny
12:19 Jeff & Jenny prepare for eggs
13:24 Jenny lays eggs
17:24 Jeff & Jenny incubate their eggs
19:55 Chicks hatch & grow
27:17 Jeff’s attacked by a red kite
32:50 Jeff disappears
34:58 Jenny cares for chicks alone
36:38 Chicks developing fast
41:26 Chicks prepare to fly
45:31 Chicks fledge
50:04 Life beyond the nest
51:17 An emotional rollercoaster

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© Robert E Fuller

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