As we saw in the last episode, from the moment they hatch, Common Kestrel chicks need around a month in order to fully develop their wings and tail feathers. The eggs were laid towards the end of April, and hatched at the beginning of May. Unfortunately, one of the chicks did not make it, and we are left with five growing kestrels.

Yet just twenty days after hatching, they are unrecognizable! The Kestrel chicks are now almost the size of their father, as they anxiously await their food every day. We can see the size comparison as the male kestrel swoops into the nest, much to the joy of the yelping chicks, and drops some food into a hungry beak. Although their fluffy backs were starting to develop black and grey streaks, the soft white feathers on their wings gave away their young age. Young doesn’t mean helpless, though, as we see a feisty one swallowing a lizard, completely whole! As the days progress, the brown markings become more distinct, and the white downy feathers start slowly disappearing. Not a week passes and we start seeing really how much these ‘chicks’ are starting to resemble capable, adult Kestrels! Their brown and beige feathers, and spotted tails, really begin to stand out in the midst of their white fluff. Not yet being able to spread their wings, they sit resting around the nest, sometimes preening themselves and each other.