KESTRELS

For the last few days we’ve been watching a pair of Kestrels nesting in Groombridge and we’re delighted to say they have been successful in raising four healthy chicks. Here’s a photo of the young Kestrels.

The Kestrel is on the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern and their population has fallen by half over 50 years. Loss of habitat, changes in agriculture and decline in vole population are thought to be the main reasons for the decline.

Kestrels  will continue to feed their young after fledging until they can hunt for themselves. Unusually for raptors there is no aggression or sibling rivalry in the nest and some may stay with their parents for months. Kestrels have amazing acuity and also like many birds they can see in ultra-violet light using this to locate voles by the urine trails they leave which glows in ultra-violet light.