As kestrels Apollo & Athena lay their fourth clutch in 4 years at Ash Wooden, they face a number of challenges.
Kestrel Athena
Athena has simply laid her first egg of the season at Ash Wooden. It is her fourth clutch in 4 years at this web site. However the season has been marred by fixed assaults from jackdaws and already she has to go away her egg to battle off a brand new assault. As she drops again inside, her tail feathers knock the egg. I’m hoping there’s no hurt achieved. Laying an egg takes its toll — every egg weighs round 10% of Athena’s body weight and requires lots of power to supply. So, when Apollo arrives on the nest with a vole she devours it. #
Incubation
Kestrels start incubation in brief bursts shortly after the primary egg is laid, progressively rising their time on the eggs because the clutch grows. Female and male kestrels take turns to brood their eggs, though the feminine does nearly all of the share. Kestrels select nests with a layer of substrate on the nest flooring as cushioning for his or her eggs. However in latest weeks, the jackdaws have eliminated lots of the nesting materials, making the ground onerous and unforgiving. To make the nest safer, I put in some new wooden chippings whereas the kestrels are out. When Athena returns she appears to offer the house enhancements a fast as soon as over earlier than leaping in to quiet down on the egg.
Apollo supplies
As Athena incubates, Apollo spends his time attempting to find meals and bringing in treats. We see him ship voles and even a lizard. It’s nice to see that Athena is so properly cared for. Egg No.2 Kestrels lay as soon as each two days, and proper on cue, Athena settles into the nest prepared to put. As she lays her tail dips down, near the ground. However as this kestrel mum-to-be settles right into a routine of incubating, sleeping and feeding, the jackdaws proceed to circle and Apollo should work around the clock to maintain the nest protected.
Egg No.3
Two days later, Athena takes within the dawn. It’ll quickly be time for a 3rd egg, so she takes a while to tidy up inside. Then, simply as she will get comfy, extra jackdaws arrive! Apollo is fast to reply and Athena, calmed by his presence, lays a 3rd egg. That evening as she sleeps, Athena hears a noise outdoors. It’s a barn owl, within the nest. When the owl peeks inside, Athena leaps on the intruder. Jackdaws try a takeover The owl is the least of her worries. That morning, the jackdaws return and start to construct a nest with Athena inside. She leaps at them repeatedly. Fortunately Apollo arrives and collectively they see off this newest invasion.
Eggs Nos 4, 5 & 6
Over the next days she lays one other three eggs, intently supported by Apollo, and collectively this formidable pair quiet down into the routine of guarding and caring for his or her treasured clutch.
