Of their remaining weeks within the nest, the crimson kite chicks grew robust & certain. Squabbles over meals bought slicker, new flight feathers meant they had been sleeker, and when a goshawk got here dangerously shut, the kids discovered to sense hazard.
Direct view into nest
I have been following this crimson kite household for months, utilizing a hidden digital camera to seize some very particular moments. I additionally positioned a conceal on a 16-metre scaffold tower so I might watch the motion shut up. By 5 weeks the chicks start to lose their fluffy down and their stunning flight feathers come by way of and may now tear up chunks of prey and feed themselves. Though competitors amongst them is fierce, they now perceive the pecking order and grow to be submissive when mum arrives to put in order.
It is unimaginable to see how briskly they’re growing. Now that their feathers have grown by way of they spend time preening. However they’re additionally very lively, flapping and stretching their wings. Now that they’ve grown house within the nest is tight and one inadvertently bashes its sibling on the pinnacle!
Mealtime squabbles
Dinner occasions could be fairly lawless and until the chicks shield their meals, it is more likely to be snatched. Watch how they unfold their wings like a mantle to protect it – and see what occurs once they do not! This aggression is critical for survival within the wild and when a goshawk seems proper subsequent to the nest issues get tense. A feminine goshawk is able to taking a crimson kite chick, however fortunately this one decides to not assault.
Branching
By seven weeks, they enterprise out of the nest – hopping to a close-by department. That is widespread behaviour amongst birds of prey and offers them more room to flap and pounce. It is not lengthy earlier than the eldest chick then makes its first flight, proper to the highest of their tree. It is clearly exhausted from the trouble and once I spot it it is falling to sleep!
What an unimaginable expertise. Be a part of me subsequent time to look at the remaining two chicks take flight and study the ropes from their affected person mother and father.
