Kestrel Chicks Fly Free After Tough Start | Part 7 of Mr Kes' Story | Mr & Mrs Kes | Robert E Fuller

In this final chapter of the incredible story of Mr Kes, the kestrel who brought up six chicks alone, the chicks finally take to the wing and fly free.
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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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Tough start
These kestrel chicks had to overcome a difficult start in life. Their mother disappeared when they were just a week old, leaving their father, Mr Kes, to raise them alone. But, with a little help from me, this brave male kestrel defied science and learned to take care of them.
Almost time to fly
Now three weeks old, these kestrel chicks are almost ready for their next adventure… fledging! This is when a young bird takes its first flight, leaving the nest for the first time.
First views
First they take a peek out of the nest. And once they've discovered the world outside, they spend a lot of time looking out - one chick is so enthralled it drops a vole that its hard-working kestrel dad Mr Kes has just delivered.
Practising
As they prepare for this milestone, the youngsters stretch and flap their wings, practising their pouncing skills which they will need when they learn to hunt too.
Mr Kes' work is doubled
As the day draws nearer the kestrels' doting dad doubles his efforts, delivering extra food to keep them strong. And when he’s away, I lend a hand too.
First kestrel flies
At the start of June, the first of the clutch takes flight. But it misses its footing and lands in the wet grass. Unable to fly with sodden feathers, I lift it up back onto a branch.
Fledges two and three
Two days later a second kestrel also fledges. This one makes it safely to a branch close by and its siblings look on excited. That afternoon a third kestrel also takes to the wing - and also ends up in the grass. Unlike the first, it manages to hop to a stone wall and then fly back to the tree on its own.
Final three kestrels
Still left to fledge are the three youngest chick. These are the chicks I took into my care after they became dangerously thin and cold when their mother disappeared and so its not surprising they are a little behind their siblings. But a day later the first of these fledges.
Support
To tempt the final chicks from the nest Mr Kes stops delivering food. This works for the fifth kestrel who takes flight the following day. But the littlest chick is looking weak so I intervene with a final meal to give it a little energy for its first flight. And the following day, a week after the first of the chicks fledged, it too takes to the skies!
Kestrel family
This has been a truly unique story. Mr Kes defied all the textbooks to raise this clutch on his own and now, with a bit of help from me, all six chicks are flying free.
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 Kestrel Chicks' Tough Start
00:24 Nearly Ready to Fledge
00:57 First Look Outside
01:17 Kestrel Dad Doubles Efforts
02:02 I Lend A Hand
03:52 1st Kestrel Fledges
04:12 Tracking Down the First Fledgling
06:16 Siblings Get Ready to Fly
07:10 Chicks Sleep In
07:54 2nd Kestrel Fledges
08:45 3rd Kestrel Fledges
09:02 Only Rescued Chicks Left to Go!
09:34 4th Kestrel Fledges
09:49 Mr Kes Tries to Tempt Final Chicks Out
10:03 Fledgling Visits Chicks
10:39 Juvenile Mobs Dad
10:56 5th Kestrel Fledges
11:49 Hand-feeding the Youngest Chick
12:57 6th Kestrel Fledges
13:10 A Unique Kestrel Story
14:35 End Title
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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 #falcon

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more Mr & Mrs Kes films: bit.ly/43x2rxL See them 24/7 on my livestream: bit.ly/44ScRZT Support my work with wildlife: www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/ Shop my kestrel 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

[@fuzzydogpa7348]

Do you know what happened to Mrs. Kestrel? Will Mr. Kes find a new mate?

[@ladyguerlain3707]

Is it ok to let us know your theory on what happened with the Mrs? We can handle it! 💪🏻😂

[@lindadajose3173]

V mula g....... A@ã

[@AE-se9bl]

Wonderful to watch how this turned into a happy story ! All thanks to Mr Kes and Mr Fuller ! 🥰🤗

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes it didn't look good when Mrs Kes disappeared, but Mr Kes was amazing how he stepped up and cared for the chicks - with a bit of help from me!

[@blanketyblank604]

@@RobertEFuller Mr Fuller you have a wonderful family channel, I will be watching more.

[@carolann95]

@@RobertEFuller Yes, he made history brooding, providing for his chicks with a little help from an angel. 😉😇🤗

[@CMK2015]

I miss Jeff the baby, I’m glad he worked up the courage to fledge after you checked on him one last time😊

[@Hossak]

I remember watching in vigil with everyone else, anticipating when Jeff would finally fledge. Fantastic celebration when he finally took to the wing :)

[@kirnpu]

This has been a mesmerizing journey! With the loss of the mother these chicks shouldn't have survived. But with the love and care of Mr. Kes and you Robert these beauties will survive and thrive. It has been an honor to watch the incredible effort you both put in!

[@catboxcleaner3532]

Truly

[@elizabethdavis9801]

Well said!

[@carolann95]

well stated

[@kirnpu]

@@station8572 I hadn't even thought of that. I would have probably thought oh that looks strange. Definitely will be pulling out twigs if I notice them in the future.

[@Orwellian-Purple-Grapes-1984]

Mr Kes gets a metal for best dad of the year. May Mrs Kes rest in peace knowing that her entire clutch of eggs has been successfully raised to birdhood.

[@mattshorsemanship7003]

The mom died?

[@FirebladesSong]

@@mattshorsemanship7003 She hasn't been seen since, so it's believed so.

[@tronbunny]

I was so tickled when Mr. Kes was "mobbed" at the FP for the first time. Watching one of the fledged keslets come back to spend the night with Jeff just made my heart swell so much. My spirit was warmed back to the joy I felt this summer watching them all fledge. Of course watching the touching last time REF went back to feed Jeff to strengthen for the fledge brought a little tear to my eye. This keslet story makes me so grateful for REFs work and the community we have found here, even the pain from loss of Mrs. Kes and now Mr. Kes is eased. 💕💕

[@litosphile]

Kestrel father was watching Robert taking his turn to feed the chicks 😍😍😍

[@Warriorwolf]

It was a privilege to witness Mr. Kes feed the kids for the first time on his own during the live, a moment I’ll never forget 🥰

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes what a moment we were all cheering in the office when he eventually fed them 😁

[@angelserenade]

One of the best bird stories out there! 6 chicks from a single parent, with the help from REF, survived and successfully fledged. I hope Mr. Kes is able to pass down his new traits to this next generation of kestrels. Btw, I remember before the last chick fledged, a young tawny old had visited its nest 😂

[@Treize132]

His son from this klutch will have experience being raised solely by their father. So they all already a diffrent breed of Kestrel

[@m00nbiswas]

I love how calm the first chick was when he hold him off the ground

[@herpderp3916]

The chicks were lucky to have their "godfather" around to help them xD

[@carolann95]

[@laurabaker81]

What a team! Robert and Mr Kes! 👊👊❤️❤️❤️

[@carolann95]

Yes, Mr. Fuller always gives credit to his team. Great comment.

[@Confusa6]

A beautiful thing to have seen this precious family thrive. You truly are an angel in your little patch of heaven on earth, helping Mr Kes and his chicks to be healthy. Cheers Mr Fuller!

[@RobertEFuller]

Have you seen on my live stream - the youngest chick which was names Jeff is still around Fotherdale. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4PIqXhpmtujeaM

[@kimberlyannhall3441]

I’m so happy that I found Robert Fuller, and what a rare treat it is to watch his informative documentaries. Robert has a way with teach that he actually make us feel we’re actually there watching and learning in person. I’m in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA 🇺🇸 Thank You for sharing your knowledge and talents with us.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 So glad you enjoyed the story look out for the full story coming in about 3 weeks

[@ArsenPotentier]

Great to see these little guys ready to fledge they have been fortunate to have Robert F. in their corner.

[@lesleyb26]

With a bit of help from Uncle Robert, all 6 made it to the open sky's 👏

[@carolann95]

Although it's a bittersweet story, Mr. Kes does the impossible, improbable task of brooding his six chicks. You did lend a helping hand to one determined provider, protector, our beloved Mr. Kes. as he defied the odds and male behavior! (Researchers take note!) I can see the joy and passion in your voice and behavior. It's an emotional, beautiful and joyful wildlife documentary. I cannot wait for more of this storyline. Bless you, Mr. Fuller. 😇😇😇😇😇😇+💯❤❤

[@sandgrownun66]

Males can raise offspring too.

[@r0xdab0x96xo]

It's not really defying, many bird species have equal roles or where the male is the one to brood, but definitely unexpected for this family! Big props to dad for powering through inexperience and heartbreak!

[@carolann95]

@@r0xdab0x96xo Yes, I agree with you. Mr. Fuller stated that the researchers are surprised with this species. Nature and an angel helped out! TY for reply and your take.

[@carolann95]

@@sandgrownun66 Yes, this is proof. I just thought six would be overwhelming. Of course, there was an angel to help Mr. Kes. TY for you reply.

[@sandgrownun66]

@@carolann95 An angel?

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

From birth to fledge and through trials and tribulations…this was such an amazing journey. Blessings, Robert and thank you!…✨💖✨

[@RobertEFuller]

Full story coming in about 3 weeks

[@jaquan123ism]

i couldn’t imagine what it would feel to be a bird flying for the first time feeling spreading my wings fully for the first time it must feel amazing

[@robertoprestigiacomo253]

I'm still impressed by how good of a hunter Mr Kes is. The ability to consistently deliver a prey every hour

[@RobertEFuller]

He was certainly kept very much with so many hungry mouths to feed.

[@orangetaco3867]

This project was easily you're most important one though you might not have known it. I hope this gets studied for generations to come. And I especially hope you're proud of yourself because even if you're not a man of God you did God's work be proud of everything you done.

[@worldcure7883]

I've rarely seen more compassion for one of God's creatures, Robert truly is an inspiration showing how man can truly have it in his soul to repair the damage his ancestors have brought upon creatures like the Kestrel. He is doing work more profound than I think he realizes but who knows maybe he is fully aware that this is his blessing, to help even the smallest have the best shot at a life in a world changed by humans.

[@michelletaylor7127]

All parents & teenagers need help sometime. Sunshine & fresh air r great motivation. Good job reporting Mr. Fuller. Greetings from North Central Oklahoma USA 🇺🇸

[@lamentovoid7178]

What good lil birds, so glad they got two dads to help them to fledge.

[@annanicholson6925]

You, sir, are a saint.

[@nanbarber6631]

This has been a remarkable journey for all 6 of these Kestrels. You live in a beautiful area

[@jimflagg4009]

Nice conclusion to this heroic tail. I hope Mr. Kes is OK. Maybe we will see him again in the spring or maybe he just headed off to a different breading ground.

[@jameswg13]

Seems he has another partner now

[@russbetts1467]

Thank you for this series of films on Mr Kes and the chicks. I've been a fan of Falcons - and especially Kestrels - since I was a child in the 1950's, living in rural Hampshire and watching 'Wind-hovers' hunting the local fields. A few years later, my father's employment with the Admiralty, took us to Gibraltar, where I used to watch Peregrines and Hobbies hunting above our home and on the top of The Rock, when on passage to and from Africa, in Spring and Autumn. I am again living in Hampshire - close to Portsmouth - and frequently see Kestrels hunting along the top of Portsdown Hill, as I drive to Fareham and back and also when walking in the woods and fields on the Hampshire/Sussex border. It's great to hear you managed to save all six chicks, to full fledge.

[@lilbitsleepy2574]

I simply love this story. From the hardships overcome by Mr Kes to that final helping hand needed to see the last kestrel fly free, it’s beyond special. Thank you for putting their story together so beautifully.

[@lesleyhoban6559]

They so lucky to have a caring parent

[@msinvincible2000]

You are a true guardian angel M. Fuller. I hope we will see Mr Kes become a father again, he was a star!

[@Awhi]

The legendary Mr Kes! Best Dad ever, oh surrogate Dad Mr Robert 😉🤣

[@sonailee3619]

Something about the fledgling coming back to hang out with its little sibling so it won't be alone made me sob like a baby

[@ShadowNika4]

Man ur channel is just fabulous..keep up the work ❤️❤️ u are really a very kind soul ❤️😀

[@papergenius94127]

What a wonderful heartfelt story. Thank you for helping Mr. Kestral. Thank you for all the wonderful videos. Joyce

[@markm734]

Mr. Kes is a hero.

[@richardjohnson5529]

Great job between you and Mr Kes you have raised 6 Beautiful Kestrels

[@colesbackyardcoop]

You and Mr. Kes did a great job of raising those chicks. Amazing to see them fledge! Thanks for sharing!

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

What a beautiful story thank you ref for all you do Uncle Ref 😆

[@chechilly]

I am just glad that both of Mr Kes and you didnt give up on the 6 chicks. :') Mr Kes could have just left his chicks to die but he really fought through and learn to be a single father (with your help, ofc). It is really a unique story to be witnessed

[@ArsenPotentier]

Exceptional dad Mr. Kes.

[@crazyking3329]

I love roberts documentary’s they are so good and light up my day

[@danzhao9709]

We should also give Ms Kes credit. She defended her young vunerable chicks so hard before she disappeared. Without her, these 6 chicks might die because of the preditors. Poor Ms Kes was exhausted and might have PTSD after fighting multiple battles. I wish she is doing well.

[@carolann95]

Yes, don't forget her.

[@luudest]

4:13 nice to get additional material, stuff we usually don‘t see on the streams. Thank you so much for all the work you every day! 🙏

[@littlewillowlinda]

Mr kes 👏👏👏 thank you for documenting this

[@WaynesAdventure]

The chicks are beautiful birds and this is such a great success story.

[@alyssadiceflipper5201]

Great documentary job Robert. Loved it.

[@metal34r99]

Just got back from my long hibernate, I wasn't able to watch since the time where Ms.Kes disappeared. I'm so glad it's a good ending, excellent work for both dads (Mr.Kes and Mr.REF). After all of the hard works the chicks finally fledged, what an amazing story~ PS: The B-roll shots are truly beautiful transitions and I still don't trust the ladder used to get up the tree! x.x

[@Fadedecho1]

I can never say what baby bird I like best. They are all so beautiful 😍

[@ismellnumbers]

Mr. Kes ended up being such a good daddy. Recently found your channel and I love it. Bless you for looking after these little chickens. Birds have such amazing little personalities when you pay attention. I keep parrots and they're such funny little things .

[@grandthanatos]

Watching you feed that last chick was such a magical moment when it happened, REF. I wonder if it'll remember you for the rest of its life.

[@miatheangel3133]

I hope Mr. Kes finds love again one day I feel like she’d be pleasantly surprised to see how much of an amazing father he is. Maybe he can help foster some chicks one day as well

[@Abishek_Muthian]

Dad of the year award goes to Mr. Kestrel and Supporting dad award to Mr. Robert.

[@freespirit6209]

Magical story. Thank you so much dear REF!

[@PeekAtWildlife]

One of the best success stories out there, and beautifully told. Love it! 😀

[@janehuey]

Congratulations, Robert and Mr. Kes - best co-parenting EVER!

[@tupelo7210]

It is so wondrous to see Mr & Mrs Kes's amazing & adorable babies in their brave & bold fledgings. This is such a heart-melting film I struggle to find adequate words - pesky tears escaped at every exquisite memorable, breathtaking moment of exemplary kindness & inexplicable affinity so evidently resident here. From the little one your such kind magnificence placed back on the family branch - to the youngest who sat both at the back door & then joyfully sprang into the entrance to spend special moments with you...This is so rare & so astonishingly Sublime! I might not sound it.. but yes, I am speechless 🙏 🥲

[@tronbunny]

Thank you for helping to put shared feelings into words.

[@behkettler2222]

Enjoy your videos so much Robert. When I see a new video that's 10+ minutes long with a story behind it... I can't stop watching. The effort and care you put into animals and your videos is amazing. Hope you keep doing videos for a long time! They honestly do brighten my day even if it's not going well.

[@helenfederoff7603]

Such beautiful little creatures 👍❤️✌️

[@Luceforall]

A truly moving story - glad I got to see this last episode (been waiting for it!). There's every reason to believe that mum kestrel must have died, poor creature. Thank you very much for lending Mr Kes a helping hand and taking loving care of his youngest and most vulnerable. I look forward to more kestrel stories :) I am going to share this on my community page, later today🥰!

[@80bbygrl]

It's so sweet that they recognize you to the point where they come to you for food

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

Robert, thank you for helping out with the birds, with ALL the time you take to get all things in order to make such amazing videos!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!

[@angemac1519]

A great conclusion. I’m so pleased they all made it through. I found myself wondering what had become of the mother. She seemed quite stressed the last time when the tawny owl tried to get in to the nest when previously she had kept them away. I wonder if she thought she was unable to protect them. It was a very sad time when she did not return. Also it was heartbreaking to see Mr Kes bringing food they were unable to eat. He was amazing how he eventually learned what to do. Good job you were there again to supplement food. Thanks for filming this journey & for all the time you spent making sure they were all ok. ❤

[@judycook4314]

This was such an interesting journey to follow. I’m so glad that you helped them along!

[@julieford8701]

Thank you Mr Fuller for all that you’ve done for all of our Avian friends in the world 🌎

[@misaeire]

Great work love these videos ,would never get to see kestrels so close up ,thank you ,from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@cccalifornia7206]

Thank you, Robert for all your video's!!💖💖💖🤗👏

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so welcome

[@kierrantos587]

Robert out there saving lives...Father of Raptors

[@mjoao4635]

A great last vídeo of an AMAZING HISTORY ❤️

[@arsolano90]

Great job with this beautiful story! Glad all 6 chicks made it to fledge

[@NeidalRuekk]

The youngsters seem to view Mr Fuller as a second dad almost. No fear when he opens up the nest and gives them food. Well, free lunch, who's gonna complain?

[@davies.farmingxx]

Beautiful thanks again Robert!

[@DreamGrazersAcres]

I've taken a recent liking to the Kestrel when a female flew into my window and knocked herself dizzy. I carried her around, tucked into my coat, until she seemed well enough to place on a bushy branch. It took her about 5 minutes, and I fed my chickens in the meantime. What a beautiful bird. It was a precious moment.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Wow what a wonderful success story I love looking at the kestrels.

[@lindalettman624]

Noisy little baby chicks! So cute 🥰

[@misakichan5161]

"not the most elegant landing" had me dying somehow. It's too wholesome

[@nograe]

So adorable how the older ones come back in to pay the younger cicks a visit.

[@homik1221]

I

[@kazzypoo]

Fantastic story! Love all the commotion from these noisy guys compared to the owls. Great work REF and Mr. Kes! 👏🏻

[@Lexusgx550]

Time for Mr kes to take a week vacation. Enjoy somewhere nice.

[@gabrielekauen7282]

A dream video!! Thank you Robert!!! ❤😀

[@sharonannc.3079]

Wow how wonderful Robert is in filling his passion to help these lovely Birds… Each story is an enriching story as I see Robert care for them.. Bless you Robert I’m here in 🇺🇸 recovering from a bad bronchial infection, I fell upon your channel 2 nights ago & it has enriched me… Sharon Ohio

[@RobertEFuller]

Get better soon! Plenty of videos for you to enjoy whilst you recuperate.

[@gaynellramsey3578]

Marvelous! Your efforts are so appreciated! Thankyou

[@aleksandarjovic4275]

They're so precious

[@FreeSoul132]

Awesome vids thanks you are a wonderful man who has so much compassion for these magnificent birds. THANK YOU ROBERT !!!🙏

[@kennethbautista4903]

been waiting for months for this video, great story ❤️

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@thelastbison2241]

100% survival rate

[@brigittebordelet3944]

It's a very touching and beautiful video! 💖🦅🐤🐤🐤🐤🐤🐤 Thank you so much, Robert! 🤗

[@Chompchompyerded]

What a fantastic job you and Mr. Kes did! It's truly wonderful to see this family succeed.

[@jamielandis4606]

Your videos bring so much happiness to me! Thank you! ❤

[@alisamukharmetova7111]

How lovely film! How beautiful view! How cuties bird’s babies ☺️☺️☺️♥️

[@Nikki_the_G]

Aw, jeez, Mr. Kes and Mr. Fuller are heroes, as are the encouraging siblings! Such a great story! :)

[@garrynelant5767]

Hi Robert, my name is Garry, I am from Australia, I must tell you that I really enjoy watching your documentaries, all my friends very much enjoy watching your stories as well. The way you care for these birds is simply amazing, you should be congratulated to say the least, thank you so much for making these documentaries, they are educational and thrilling to watch. Thank you so much again, I look forward to your future videos, cheers mate, Garry, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia,

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much for your kind words, they are very much appreciated.

[@spikewillow4552]

Stunning story 🖤🤟

[@dilly-dally-mations6851]

Its pretty amazing the chick didn't seemed phased being picked up and perched on the branch. Like " oh I know you"

[@MariKehrwald]

Thank you Robert Fuller for using your God given talents to spread them amongst us less talented folks in the world! As someone else stated, it is indeed a privilege and a blessing to witness your care and love of nature. You are so loving to all of your babies, regardless if they have wings or fur, it doesn’t seem to make a difference in your enthusiasm. Thank you for being you!❤❤❤

[@lissanne9769]

Thank you so much, Mr. Fuller for following these beautiful birds. I think you've rewritten some of the biological features in books about Kestrel behavior that previously went unnoticed. I have learned so much from your videos, and I thank you. It was something to see the a chick come back to the nest, and snuggle with the youngest. It was probably because of a bad scare or the cold weather. Either way it was a benefit to the little one. That attachment to the nest and sibling was heartwarming. The dedication of Mr. Kess may be normal or he may be unique. Your dedication to this family is phenomenal. You kept the three little ones alive. In my eyes and mind, you are a Saint. They never knew that you were their guardian angel. Although they are a smart bird. Maybe they did know. I've been a fan of Kestrels since I came home to find my three cats in a box garden window looking at something that was scratching on the corner. I went outside to see what they were so interested in. I saw a beautiful, somewhat large bird with grasshoppers in it's talons, and beak. As I got closer, it refused to move. My husband told me after explaining what I saw, that the bird was a Kestrel. I would see this same bird on out wood fence, ducking while smaller birds would dive-bombed him. Oh, by the way, he would eat the entire grasshopper except for the legs. Thank you again Mr. Fuller for this wonderful opportunity to see these wonderful birds grow and fledge.

[@TraciPeteyforlife]

Single parents need all the help they can get. I'm so glad you helped Mr Kes out Robert. He was a hard working single dad. Who just needed a little help. I'm sure that the chicks will remember you. As that mysterious human who feed them.

[@johnhickson]

Job well done 👏👏👏👏

[@Lonesome__Dove]

Cute the chicks start to recognize that food is coming from the other opening too

[@cattailer1077]

Great video💖. Such beauty and love. Thank you so much for your knowledge, love, and sharing🥰