First-Time Kestrel Pair's Journey from Eggs to Chicks | Jeff & Jenny | Wild Lives | Robert E Fuller

First-time couple Jeff and Jenny worked like a pro team as Jenny laid four eggs, of which three hatched successfully.
Date Filmed: May-June 2023
Watch kestrels Jeff & Jenny interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Jeff & Jen...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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It’s May and Kestrels Jeff and Jenny are courting at the Sycamore Stump nest, and it’s amazing to watch their story unfold. Jeff and Jenny are young birds, and this is their first time pairing up.
Jeff is busy hunting to bring in food for Jenny. These gifts help prove he’ll be able to care for her and their future brood. And the pair are mating regularly… whatever the weather!
First egg
On the 12th of May, Jenny digs a nest scrape as she prepares to lay. And as Jenny begins contractions, Jeff stands guard outside.
Not long after, she leaves the nest, revealing a first egg. Kestrel eggs are usually a darker chestnut brown, but sometimes first eggs can be pale.
Jeff sees first egg
While Jenny takes a break, Jeff sees the egg for the first time - checking it over with his beak and talons. Kestrel eggs aren’t incubated straight away. Instead, brooding typically begins when the third egg has been laid.
Jenny sits out in the entrance to stand guard. It’s just as well as a barn owl swipes at her as it flies past.
More kestrel eggs
2 days later Jenny lays her second egg and over the next four days, Jenny lays a third egg and then a fourth egg which completes the clutch.
Incubation starts
The pair start incubation. For the next month, the eggs must be kept at the perfect temperature. Jeff has a go at incubating the eggs for the first time! Both take turns brooding, but Jenny does the lion’s share
Hatching
30 days since incubation began,Jenny looks restless and just before 5AM, she lifts a wing, revealing the first chick! 17 minutes later, I spot a second hatchling, too!
Jenny pulls the eggshells from under her, and gently nibbles the edges, they’re full of nutrients and she’ll need to be in prime condition to raise her chicks!
Jeff sees the chicks
Soon Jeff arrives for his shift. He heads in and sees the chicks for the first time!
Jeff gently check them over with his beak.
Jeff goes out hunting and delivers his catch.It’s a lizard, a real delicacy for kestrels.
And Jenny gets to work, tearing it into small mouthfuls to feed the chicks.
Third chick hatches, but fourth egg doesn't
Later on, a third chick breaking out from its egg. But the fourth egg doesn’t hatch.
Healthy brood
First-time parents Jeff and Jenny have done so well! It’s been incredible to watch them pair up, lay eggs, and welcome three healthy hatchlings! They’ve now got the tough job of raising the chicks, but I’m sure these hard-working kestrels are up to the challenge!
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!
You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: www.robertefuller.com
Facebook: / robertefullerart
Twitter: / robertefuller
Instagram: / robertefuller
CHAPTERS
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00:00 Courting Kestrels
01:17 Jenny Lays First Egg
02:45 Teamwork
04:03 Jenny Lays More Eggs
05:18 Incubation Starts
07:50 Chicks Begin To Hatch
09:18 Jeff Broods The Chicks!
10:18 Chicks First Meal
10:55 Third Chick Hatches
11:56 Fourth Chick Won’t Hatch
13:04 Fantastic First Time Parents
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [e-mail]
#robertefuller #kestrel #falcons #jeffandjenny #birdsofprey

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more Jeff & Jenny films: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFN9JDphnU74rEGrDFjTQjmW&si=W4WnaKruVsO0Sk4o See them 24/7 on my livestream: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFM-u8Q8V11cI1Ghk_-byaPM&si=q4ehR_kQ3xVrypin Support my work with wildlife: : www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/ Shop my birds of prey artwork: www.robertefuller.com/product-tag/birds-of-prey/ Follow me: Facebook - bit.ly/43LiisV | Twitter - bit.ly/43yuiO9 | Instagram - bit.ly/3XV7rLA | TikTok - bit.ly/3XUnEAJ

[@Lexusgx550]

Great story

[@meenha1976]

Amazing, I look for your video's daily, I can see more tonight before bed time, thank you, love the story telling and little details like how they open mouth and pant in the hot weather to stay cool sort of something like dogs do. I hope the ones who's disappeared is OK, first time father, he did a good job, I was a bit upset of the other one who didn't return for a few days and then you found him...🍃🪹🪺🍂🐦🦆🦉it broke my heart, I hope this one's ok

[@user-lt8xt8wg9m]

So exciting and interesting to watch. Barbara

[@user-lt8xt8wg9m]

Jeff is such a caring partner. Barbara

[@user-lt8xt8wg9m]

Such a beautiful pair. Barbara .

[@Deedoof]

Once I heard Jeff's dad is Mr. Kes, the extra nurturing from Jeff makes sense.

[@SorceressRin]

Do you know if Mrs Kes was ever seen again? 😢

[@harrisonhaine1199]

@@SorceressRinI think he disappeared and was assumed dead

[@carriepurnell635]

I totally bawled my eyes out after Mrs. Kes didn't come home 😭

[@rosewong9225]

@@harrisonhaine1199 Is it possible for kestrels to move to a new territory? I hope he moved elsewhere😢

[@careypierce8131]

Jeff learned to brood and be a father from the best. Mr. Kes and Jeff will forever be in my heart. They were both such special creatures.

[@user-lq4ct6dr5m]

Jeff is like a shooting star, he may be gone quick, but he shone brightly when he's there

[@Josephe-Anne]

What a beautiful sentiment! He was certainly special. 💗

[@RobertEFuller]

He was very special to me and so many others across the world he will be greatly missed

[@Natureinmybackyard24]

I also think of Jeff as a shooting star. Poor sweet boy, if love would have been enough to keep him alive, he would have lived forever.

[@silvermainecoons3269]

Oh no, what happened? Jeff didn’t make it?? Sometimes I think I’m too tender hearted to keep watching nest cams, but the happy moments make it worthwhile in the end. 😢

[@Josephe-Anne]

@@silvermainecoons3269 I know what you mean. It's hard to watch when we lose one. Jeff disappeared a while ago, when the chicks were little.

[@alexr4151]

This film is a sterling memorial to Jeff and his only brood. You've honored him so much with this outstanding tribute, Robert. Thank you very, very much indeed.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 I’m glad I got to be a part of his short life bug really wish he was still around

[@amykins9870]

I wish he was still around but I wish even more that his brood learned his the legacy of his father. That whether males or females they go on to given they special care and attention they got with every precious stage of their own lives to their own broods over hopefully their long lifetimes hopefully in the same valley. Thankfully Jeff lived his short life to the fullest and had a nice brood of 3 little ones. His legacy lives on.

[@Meles_mls]

Oh, Jeff... You may not have been here long, but you were a wonderful little bird regardless. We'll never forget you or your story ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

I can’t believe he is gone he was a great little kestrel

[@Meles_mls]

@@RobertEFuller He really was.. At least, with you helping him survive as a chick, he was able to go on and help produce these lovely chicks. His life was short, but it was still good and meaningful 💕

[@angelserenade]

Even if I am still heartbroken that Jeff won't be coming back, I am still thankful for the opportunity of watching this proud kestrel grew up from a wee, vulnerable hatchling to a proud, caring parent. He was the last to fledge last year, and he is among the fledgelings that stayed near his home😢 Even as a first time parent, Jeff has definitely got his traits from Mr. Kes. 😢 Jeff's story is a reminder that Nature can be both beautiful and cruel

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes it’s very sad to lose Jeff but you summed it up perfectly what a great little kestrel love by so many people around the world And I had a particularly soft spot for him as he was the one that needed my help the most as a little one

[@melissamcclain34]

​@@RobertEFullerwas he one of the ones you kept inside for a time?

[@NiamhCullen]

This is the first time I have seen Jeff since Mr. Kes was his dad. What happened to him?

[@NiamhCullen]

I love to see the full love court courtship videos. They are so beautiful.

[@angelserenade]

@@melissamcclain34 yes, as he was among the 3 youngest chicks that REF temporarily kept. There was also a clip of REF hand feeding Jeff just a few minutes before it finally fledge

[@SibylleLeon]

I'm still so heartbroken about Jeff's disappearance. He was my favourite 😢 Beautiful video, and it's great to re-live their story!

[@RobertEFuller]

Poor Jeff I can’t quite believe he has gone but his short life was fascinating to be a part of Just wish he was still with us

[@silvermainecoons3269]

@@RobertEFuller. Do you know exactly what happened to him or did he just disappear? He was doing so well with Jenny. I love your channel BTW. Thank you Robert.

[@BillyAlabama]

You tell the best stories!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@nada7.077]

Oh no! Praying Jeff is all right and returns to dear Jenny and their precious chicks!

[@FirebladesSong]

Sadly, he hasn't come back, but all the chicks fledged successfully.

[@toldavf1523]

Jeff catching lizards, just like his dad... Miss you little fella.

[@juliesong4123]

I remember when Jeff first found Jenny, so glad he did!

[@george-1961]

You see. Mr Kes has created a modern kestrel parent. May this continue 🤞🏻👏🏻

[@IM_Arcades]

I miss Jeff. 😕 You did well to keep Mr and Mrs Kes's line alive.

[@shannonspage9360]

Jeff learned his super dad skills from the best..Mr Kes. Showing how they leave a lasting mark on the future generations of an area

[@Sagasol]

Mr. Kes would be proud

[@mistingwolf]

Oh my gosh, I love seeing Jeff taking after his dad! It's so sweet!

[@sushifiggy]

I just love your films, they fill me with love and joy ❤

[@Hossak]

It has been an honour to have watched the unfolding story of Mr Kes and Jeff over the last couple of years. Jeff was such a special bird and although it appears he is gone, he will live on in our hearts - flying free with his mum :)

[@RobertEFuller]

We were very lucky to be able to get a glimpse into there amazing lives with my cameras I just wish we didn’t lose them but that’s nature unfortunately

[@suzannecarter445]

Superb video! Robert really has a way of getting us emotionally involved without getting melodramatic.

[@459luker]

totally agree, he does such a great job narrating

[@tangojuli209]

You nailed it! We DO become emotionally invested in them.

[@breeze8363]

If Finn were around he would have checked on the eggs

[@RobertEFuller]

so true he was such an egg tapper

[@gabinathan5499]

SINCE JEFF IS THE SON OF M.R KES .I AM NOT SUPRISED HOW CLEVER+SENSIBLE HE IS.

[@marinaps5302]

beautiful Jeff, gone too soon😢 I hope that at least Jenny will stay even though I saw everything live, it's nice to see everything again

[@bononoooooo3427]

Jeff made me think of Finn and Mr Kes a lot.

[@clandestine_cat]

I don’t know if I can handle Jeff not coming back 😢

[@Lexusgx550]

Jeff is a hard working man. Cheers to Jeff

[@grandthanatos]

Like father, like son.

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hi, Robert! Beautiful and full of feeling story, that will remain in our hearts!!! Thank you so much!!! 🙌😍👏💜😃🙏

[@RikaJP]

I was so moved that I couldn't take my eyes off this video. And then I wached the video of Jeff being resced, I was even more moved to see how he grew up to have a family. You were Jeff's foster parent. I salute you and your team for your wonderful work.🎉

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes Jeff had quite a back story I had a particular soft spot for him as we nearly lost him when he was only a week old He will be greatly missed

[@sherrywebber4013]

I have Kestrels in my neighborhood here in Florids USA. Watching your channel has educated me in their mannerisms & way of life. I LOVE Jeff & Jenny. They are great parents ❤️ ❤❤

[@sabinewacheux1649]

Jeff's legacy lives through his offspring. He was such a handsome bird, short-lived but bright when he was there. May the 3 chicks live long lives.

[@jennifers6435]

Incredibly beautiful photography and presentations🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Thank you Ref superb documentary of Jenny and jeff I will never forget Jeff I hope Jenny will stay in fotherdale and find a new mate this spring ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

So sad to have lost Jeff he was amazing But Jenny is still here hopefully she get a new mate in the spring

[@busterandloulou]

Jeff and Mr Kes are both unique. Always in my heart and thoughts.

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

I just love these videos and love following the stories of these birds (especially Jeff!) with your excellent narration. They (and you!) are lucky to be able to live in such a beautiful lush green paradise. That landscape is absolutely beautiful. edit: wait what??? please tell me jeff eventually comes back :(

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed the video but unfortunately Jeff didn’t return unfortunately I think he was killed by a Red Kite that was in the area

[@filibuster_jpr]

​@@RobertEFuller😢

[@FeatheredWingz]

9:45 Oh wow! Inherited behaviour? He learned from dad. In Mr. Kes' case though, it was due to his mate suddenly disappearing and the necessity of him taking over, wasn't it? Jeff is doing it by choice, which is so sweet.

[@chriscarlsen2100]

Oh no! Jeff is gone? How heartbreaking! I've been following his story from when Mrs Kes went missing. This makes me sad. Nature is so beautiful but so brutal. 😢

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes poor Jeff has gone unfortunately we will all miss him

[@SoothingRelaxation168]

Such an amazing video

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@susanleezer182]

Thank you Robert. I hope Jeff returns ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@Lexusgx550]

We need more videos of Jeff and jenny. Thanks Robert

[@mornaslocum8376]

G’day Robert, this reminds me of when I breed Budgerigars, had one baby that always came to greet me, it turned out to be a male so I took him inside. To my delight he learnt to talk and repeat many words, I looked after a friend’s budgie for a month and by the time she came back from vacation my budgie could say that he was her girlfriend, her address and phone number and I love you. I miss George my budgie so much to this day. Love what you do, I’m ecstatic watching, I was also a rescue carer for wildlife and have tube fed many birds for various reasons, most were released back to the wild, very few were unable to. Cheers from Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

All so fascinating. Especially watching Mr. Kes analyze his brood; you can see his understanding of what they need. Warmth. And he immediately covers them. It’s really quite amazing. Thank you so much for your narration. Your voice is calming..

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed the kestrels

[@angelamolinagaffney383]

Jeff❤🙏

[@egorromanov5431]

Parenting on the highest level ❤

[@spmoran4703]

I am sorry about Jeff . But, what a fascinating story.

[@timf6916]

LOVE IT

[@vaibhavdeokar9024]

Best documentary ❤

[@4july99]

Yikes, it’s a tough world out there. Absolutely beautiful film, thank you

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks so much for this beautiful video ! Amazing to follow Jeff and Jenny again like this, even if it was amazing to do it live on your stream as it happened! It is so so very sad how this beautiful love story ended , unfair too if one can say so. I hope everyone understand what I mean. Jeff and Jenny made such a lovely family and then Jeff disappeared....... worst is to not know what has happened to him. Probably isnt with us anymore, dont think he would ever leave his wife and chicks of free will ! So lucky to have your lovely video to keep them with us this way! 🥰🤗❤❤❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed the film Unfortunately I think Jeff was predated by a Red Kite that was around a lot at the time Very sad to have lost him as he was definitely one of my favourites I spent a lot of time with him making sure he survived as a chick when Mrs Kes disappeared

[@AE-se9bl]

@@RobertEFuller Thanks for the reply! It is indeed very sad we lost Jeff! I do remember when you made him survive , bless you for that (and so much more you do) ! I watched it on your stream ! It was a miracle he survived. ( I am AE on the chat , I do more lurking now than chatting but watch every day many times) !

[@johnhickson]

Magic 💯

[@marinaknife4595]

I fell in love with Mr Kestrel & this film reinforces that - kestrels are such beautiful & interesting bird characters and your filming is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing such rare insights - love it!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you enjoyed the kestrels such a shame we have lost some of our favourite characters

[@SpecialgiftsLA]

Robert, Your ability to capture their beauty and all their moments..I know how hard it must be to watch so closely and have to deal with the loss of such special friends. Jeff has left his mark on our hearts and minds no doubt. Thank you for being there and sharing.Lia

[@EricaC79]

I'm happy for you that you get to watch this Kestrel you helped raise now raise a family of his own. What a privilege.😊

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

Your documentary skills are superb, Robert. What a handsome pair these beauties are! I hope they have success in raising their first brood! 💕💕🥰

[@RobertEFuller]

thank you, yes look out for the next episode

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

@@RobertEFuller You're welcome. I'm looking forward to your episode! 🥰

[@onthegrind5977]

❤❤ I love all your videos Robert! You do such a beautiful job telling their stories. Jeff & Jenny I hope they make it next year or he comes back! This is my absolute favorite thing you do on this channel! ❤ Everything is amazing don’t get me wrong. But these stories are some of the best on KZbin! ❤ Where you live is absolutely beautiful 😍 & have beautiful birds! I love watching all of those birds and owls too! ❤ My Fav animals on earth! ❤😊 Sending love & support, Carly from New Mexico, USA 🇺🇸 ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you are enjoying my channel

[@EmmaDee]

@@RobertEFullerwhat bird did you find deceased in the water tress?

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Go Jeff& Jenn!!!

[@marthalikens482]

Sooooo interesting. Makes the rest of the world just fade away for a few minutes. Thank You

[@paulacoyle5685]

I just love how they settle down on the eggs, just so adorable

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes that little shuffle is so cute

[@kari3368]

what a great dad, i’m sure it’s because of his dad, mr. kes❤️ they are such a sweet couple!

[@litosphile]

I always wait for your team to upload videos especially longer ones please. Thank you and God bless your team

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much. We are busy working on some new films at the moment.

[@litosphile]

Amazing. Love from Goa India@@RobertEFuller

[@EmmaDee]

@@RobertEFullerme too sir. You’ve turned me onto nature in a way, I would have never discovered previously.

[@TriciawithaC]

Aww, I miss Jeff so much. I hope the next video includes the part where he actually fed the chicks

[@459luker]

love these videos

[@silviamiranda5480]

Thank you for all the beautiful videos! I find them wholesome and peaceful

[@bryffanwimartin2505]

❤❤❤

[@Zoology671Katherine]

I love watching your nest cam videos, thank you for sharing the lives of these wonderful animals with us!❤

[@ShardPendragon]

The video is just what I needed to relax after a busy day at work, thank you, Robert 🐦

[@honesty3440]

The ONLY news who bring us joy and happiness are STRICTLY CONNECTED WIT NATURE, BIRDS AND ANIMALS.

[@Bluefirey6266]

great stories about birds

[@nettadebeer9936]

Oh ..how beautifully to watch …real parenthood…

[@sarahparkes8288]

Oh my days! Lush. Thank you xxxxxxxxxx

[@hadassah2998]

Beautiful nature

[@FroggyOnions]

I've been waiting for this!

[@davehoward22]

10:10 Amazing how the both instantly know when to change shifts .

[@RobertEFuller]

working like clockwork these two!

[@thelastbison2241]

Pretty birds with pretty feathers

[@daviddarrall9384]

Super filming - well done!

[@crystalphillips696]

Thank you for such a beautiful video.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you too!

[@kalipw0210]

Watching this is so dam awesome!!

[@joshhoffman1975]

Wow. amazing, great video thanks! ❤🎉😃

[@DayneDaKid]

9:31 I've always wondered and this somewhat answers my question. When brooding it appears their legs are bent to the side? He goes from standing straight to almost walking bow legged over the eggs/chick.

[@BillyAlabama]

I love your stories ! Thank you. 😊

[@Shreekanth_kranthi_7]

His voice over is an extra add on point

[@binaifermistry7241]

Lovely video

[@sriramachandramurthypheelk8902]

Amazing wildlife sanctuary ❤️ Thanking you all

[@simplycurlyde]

Always look forward to your stories! Can't wait for the next one.

[@georgek889]

I love your videos Robert, it is amazing how many things I have learned thanks to your videos. Amazing work. Watching from Greece ❤

[@yekaterinapanferova1410]

Well done. Good job. I like your video

[@JD-ui8to]

Jeff gets his nurturing skills from his daddy Mr. Kes

[@shoes123uk8]

❤

[@mariamagdalena8040]

Fantastik i enjoyed IT.thanksfor this Vision

[@analisesalas538]

Im just sobbing thinking about the learned behavior that Mr. Kes passed on down to Jeff

[@spiritsjoy]

Sigh. I took ill and missed ALOT. So I take it we lost Jeff... He was a special bird and one of my favorites. Just remembering how he waited for REF to give him his last feed before he finally left the nest. It was so heartwarming how this young kestrel, stood right next to REF and let him hand feed him. He was the best of both worlds, but still lived wild. He will be missed. Thankfully he left behind his bloodline, i hope one of the grandkestrels stick around.

[@universallyadored5785]

I love your longer content!!

[@panghankonyak4373]

Wow...what a lovely pair of love-bird. So mesmerizing to watch them. Lots of ❤❤ from Nagaland, India...

[@shimantagoswami4781]

Very wonderful documentary, respect your dedicated works. 👍🙏🌹 From india

[@mumtazmahal7147]

Nice nature

[@meenha1976]

How did you know it was Jeff & Jenny? The rings? I woukd never be able to tell any apart once they're grown up ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

We got the ring number off the footage and Jeff never left the area

[@nityah6815]

They r so caring for each other. The male taking care of her during her pregnancy.. 🥰🥰 so adorable

[@RobertEFuller]

Its fantastic to be able to watch these special moments.

[@459luker]

oh my goodness that is so sad about Jeff :( i was really rooting for that little guy... he was my favourite. I guess the only consolation would be if his brood survives. I hope that you'll help them if need be...

[@RobertEFuller]

Very sad to lose Jeff and yes I helped the brood survive

[@napriaa5175]

The look in their eyes when they stare at their babies is so soft 🥹🩵

[@Lexusgx550]

They mate in the wild. No need for bedroom lol

[@Flavioelnacionalistaargentino]

Una ternura total😂