Jenny the kestrel has a new partner, and I've named him Jasper. It looks like the pair could breed in my Sycamore nest this year.
Two years ago poor Jenny was left to raise her chicks alone after her former partner Jeff suddenly disappeared. Now she's back with a new mate. These love birds were spotted inspecting different nest boxes last month, but now, shortly after an intimate moment, Jasper has called Jenny to inspect Sycamore.
Note how he bows his head as she enters the nest. This is typical courtship behaviour when a male is trying to attract a female to a nest. And she seems to be pleased to accept the suggestion of this nest box. Judging by the fact that his head feathers have yet to turn fully grey and his tail feathers have undergone a full moult, Jasper is about a year younger than three year old Jenny.
