The breeding season is fast approaching, and the fight is on for the best nest boxes here at Fotherdale. At times the battles can be vicious - like this dramatic clash between the kestrels and barn owls.
Watch Mr & Mrs Kes interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Mr & Mrs Ke...
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Ghost the barn owl picks a nest box
Towards the end of last year, Ghost, Fotherdale's new male barn owl, began spending time in the sycamore stump nest box and by January had attracted a mate, now named Willow by fans of my livestream, to this luxurious purpose-built nest box.
But his box is soon hotly contested
Just as Ghost and Willow began to enjoy some private moments in the Sycamore Stump, they were interrupted. First by a particularly inquisitive stoat, and then by the kestrel pair.
And the kestrels claim ownership
Kestrels have nested in Sycamore Stump for years, but last year nested in Ash Stump for the first time. However, they had a difficult breeding year there, with a lot of unwanted attention from jackdaws and tawny owls and now it seems they want their old site back.
(For more on the kestrels' last year read my blog post: www.robertefuller.com/diary/h...)
The kestrels launch a campaign of intimidation
The kestrels decided to evict Ghost. Watch the male call and posture at the entrance to the nest, backed up by the female who used her wings to block the barn owl in the box. The kestrel pair were persistent, returning again and again around the clock.
Ghost relocates
These constant attacks irritated Ghost and he decided to relocate to Ash Stump. But birds often like to have a selection of nesting options before they decide on their perfect site, and the kestrels hadn't quite decided whether to give it up yet.
Kestrels vs barn owl fight
The female kestrel was quick to spot Ghost in Ash Stump and followed him in, fanning her tail feathers and wings to make her seem more intimidating. A battle ensued in which the kestrel grabbed the barn owls' legs. Unable to use his talons, he pecked at her chest.
Ghost retreats
After this attack, Ghost lost his nerve and gave up his interest in both Ash and Sycamore.
Kestrels settle for sycamore
Despite having fought so hard for this nest, the female took her time to commit to this nest. She seemed irritated by the fact that it was now full of owl pellets.
Significant food pass
I decided to help her out and cleared the pellets so that she could dig a nest scrape - and the move paid off because last week the male kestrel brought a mouse into the nest box, and the female flew in to snatch it from him. The fact that this food pass took place inside the nest box is a strong indication that the pair intend to nest here.
Watch live stream for eggs
Keep an eye on the livestream to see what happens next. I would expect the kestrel pair to lay at the end of March. To help you identify the birds you see, read my blog post: www.robertefuller.com/diary/w...
Note: Willow has very dark markings around her facial disk.
ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.
You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!
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© Robert E Fuller
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