As kestrels Apollo & Athena lay their fourth clutch in four years at Ash Wood, they face multiple challenges.
Kestrel Athena
Athena has just laid her first egg of the season at Ash Wood. It's her fourth clutch in four years at this site. But the season has been marred by constant attacks from jackdaws and already she has to leave her egg to fight off a new attack. As she drops back inside, her tail feathers knock the egg. I’m hoping there’s no harm done. Laying an egg takes its toll — each egg weighs around 10% of Athena’s bodyweight and requires a lot of energy to produce. So, when Apollo arrives at the nest with a vole she devours it. #
Incubation
Kestrels begin incubation in short bursts shortly after the first egg is laid, gradually increasing their time on the eggs as the clutch grows. Male and female kestrels take turns to brood their eggs, although the female does the majority of the share. Kestrels choose nests with a layer of substrate on the nest floor as cushioning for their eggs. But in recent weeks, the jackdaws have removed a lot of the nesting material, making the floor hard and unforgiving. To make the nest safer, I put in some new wood chippings while the kestrels are out. When Athena returns she seems to give the home improvements a quick once over before jumping in to settle down on the egg.
Apollo provides
As Athena incubates, Apollo spends his time hunting for food and bringing in treats. We see him deliver voles and even a lizard. It’s great to see that Athena is so well cared for. Egg No.2 Kestrels lay once every two days, and right on cue, Athena settles into the nest ready to lay. As she lays her tail dips down, close to the floor. But as this kestrel mum-to-be settles into a routine of incubating, sleeping and feeding, the jackdaws continue to circle and Apollo must work round the clock to keep the nest safe.
Egg No.3
Two days later, Athena takes in the sunrise. It’ll soon be time for a third egg, so she takes some time to tidy up inside. Then, just as she gets comfortable, more jackdaws arrive! Apollo is quick to respond and Athena, calmed by his presence, lays a third egg. That night as she sleeps, Athena hears a noise outside. It’s a barn owl, interested in the nest. When the owl peeks inside, Athena leaps at the intruder. Jackdaws attempt a takeover The owl is the least of her worries. That morning, the jackdaws return and begin to build a nest with Athena inside. She leaps at them repeatedly. Thankfully Apollo arrives and together they see off this latest invasion.
Eggs Nos 4, 5 & 6
Over the following days she lays another three eggs, closely supported by Apollo, and together this formidable pair settle down into the routine of guarding and caring for their precious clutch.
