Kestrel Dad Raises Chicks Alone After Mum Disappears | Full Story | Mr & Mrs Kes | Robert E Fuller

This is the story of Mr Kes, a kestrel who raised his six chicks alone after their mum disappeared. Male kestrels aren't known to brood chicks or feed them, but this remarkable kestrel father learned to do both.
Watch Mr & Mrs Kes interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow their story in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Mr & Mrs Ke...
JOIN MY MISSION
____________________
You can support my wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work by donating here: www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s... or joining one of my supporter communities: www.robertefuller.com/support...
ABOUT THIS FILM
____________________
Mr & Mrs Kes
The story begins full of hope as Mr & Mrs Kes, an established kestrel pair, start a new season and Mrs Kes lays a clutch of six eggs in Ash Stump, a nest box I designed just for them.
Nest intruders
But incubation proves hazardous as Mrs Kes is interrupted from her brooding to fight off jackdaws, barn owls and even a red kite threatening to invade the nest.
Chicks all healthy
Despite the drama, all six chicks hatch successfully. Mr Kes quickly adapts to his new role, hunting round the clock to provide food for his new family, while Mrs Kes takes to breaking up the food for the chicks.
Mrs Kes disappears
Suddenly, Mrs Kes' behaviour changes dramatically. Increasingly, she leaves the chicks alone in the nest for short periods. Then, when a tawny owl appears at the nest she is visibly shaken and after a second encounter with the owl she flies off, never to return.
Mr Kes finds his chicks alone
Mr Kes returns to the nest to find his chicks without their mother. He drops a vole on the nest floor but has no idea how to feed them. If they don’t eat soon, they’ll die.
Kestrel chick rescue
I decide to intervene. I open the back of the nest and check the chicks. Three are weak, so I bring them into my studio for some intensive care, but return the other three to the nest in the vain hope that Mrs Kes will return.
Mr Kes tries to brood
When I notice Mr Kes trying to brood the chicks later that day, something uncommon for male kestrels, it gives me an idea.
I support Mr Kes
I leave food out for Mr Kes in hopes that he will try to feed them. And then the impossible happens - he tries to break up food for his young. Slowly this male kestrel learns to feed his chicks.
Rescue chicks
Meanwhile, I fed the younger three chicks six times a day and kept them warm indoors until they are ready to reunite with their wild siblings.
Family reunited
Eventually the three rescued chicks are ready to return to the wild. When I place them back in the nest their siblings look so shocked, but Mr Kes barely notices, he is so focused on feeding the brood!
Ringing day
It is finally time to give the kestrel chicks their ID rings and I am so proud. After such a difficult start, they had made it and were now ready to graduate to adulthood.
Time to fly
One by one, all six chicks finally spread their wings and lift off for their first flights and it feels amazing.
Mr Kes defied all the textbooks to raise this clutch on his own and, with a bit of help from me, all six chicks are still flying free!
ABOUT ME
____________
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
_____________
00:00:00 Introducing Mr & Mrs Kes
00:00:31 House Hunting
00:03:31 Courtship
00:04:48 Egg Laying
00:08:25 Brooding the Eggs
00:12:50 Chicks Hatch
00:17:24 Mrs Kes Unsettled
00:21:10 Mrs Kes Disappears
00:22:48 Kestrel Chick Rescue
00:26:48 Mr Kes Broods Chicks
00:28:47 I Feed The Rescued Chicks
00:29:09 Mr Kes Tries To Feed
00:34:29 Mr Kes Defies The Odds
00:36:40 Family Reunion
00:41:25 Checking On The Chicks
00:42:46 Ringing Day
00:51:14 Chicks Fledge
01:00:58 A Unique Story
___________________
© 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 #wildlives

[@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

[@RainworldAddictt]

Someone took this video and uploaded it to yt shorts! I forgot the channel name, though. Other people noticed it too in the comments of the short. If they didnt ask for permission, please take it down! They gave 0 credit.

[@RainworldAddictt]

Okay, i found the video; kzbin.infoUhEgTeR2mB8?feature=share

[@RainworldAddictt]

If you didnt give these people permission, please take it down! We love your original work and dont want anyone stealing it without giving credit. ❤

[@lakshyapratapsingh9360]

👍👍👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰

[@PK-oy4fe]

This video is stolen and is showing as a short! PUPHUB

[@DagothBruh]

I love when you reunited the chicks, their faces were just in bewilderment like "I thought you died?" And the younger chicks probably was like "A god took us and gave us food and a warm place to sleep, so you could say we were in heaven."

[@valendaandherbird2008]

Exactly

[@justaskin8523]

LOL, that's funny. And probably not far from the truth. Like those martian toys in the claw game, right? "Oooooooh"

[@no1nderwhy]

They seemed a little stunned, was an understatement. The oldest one looked as if he was on stilts.

[@ilahmache7712]

Unfortunately female kestrels will leave their nest if they are too stressed 😢 Mrs Kes couldn't take all the activity from the other predators in the area and it's amazing that the father tried feeding them when they were so young still. Most certainly would not have not made it if Robert hadn't stepped in. This was a fantastic team effort 🥰

[@fynnbergstein]

typical for a mother ^^

[@Weenus-gu1ys]

@@fynnbergsteinhow did you take something about birds and decide to generalize moms-?

[@fynnbergstein]

can you read? or are you a woman? @@Weenus-gu1ys

[@nergigante3514]

​@@Weenus-gu1ysit was a joke

[@Weenus-gu1ys]

@@nergigante3514 I can never tell on here, so many people are just genuinely like that

[@OuchingTigerLimpingDragon]

I love how, at the final feed, one of the chicks recognized his steps on the ladder and actually came towards the sound rather than hiding. They're still wild, for sure, but they know Robert means them no harm.

[@gabriellafox7948]

I noticed that too!

[@RoySATX]

Lets hear it for all the single dads out there doing what it takes. You are all amazing! Anything is possible with a bit of faith in yourself, and the support of a friend or two.

[@The_ZeroLine]

That’s why I named my son Kestrel.

[@luceatlux7087]

And he didn't even know we were watching his beautiful, lonely efforts and giving an invisible-hand here and there... Makes you wonder who may be watching us... What we may regard as windfalls of happenstance MAY BE something else entirely. The Kes fam can't blame us for all their woes, just as we can't blame whomever for all of ours. But we MAY have an invisible helping hand here or there if we try.

[@melissabaya7076]

When he returned the 3 little ones to the nest, I couldn’t stop laughing at the way the biggest one looked completely flabbergasted, backed up in the corner 🤭😆😍

[@joykadegis6401]

I thought the same thing but glad they all got along.

[@dev2410]

I agree. He was like : "what the heck YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!"

[@lorriegallardo8053]

Same here. It looked like he saw a demon. I laughed so hard.

[@HGrrrr]

Reminiscent of Toy Stories “the claaaaw!”

[@valendaandherbird2008]

Me too!

[@donjeep1937]

That the male could adapt and take over the roll of his lost mate is enchanting. That there was so much human interaction without imprinting is great. Thank you for this video

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks It so important not to imprint the young as it makes releasing them much more difficult I have had imprint young owl given to me and I have got them back into the wild but so much more work is needed

[@DrunKao]

@@RobertEFuller how the hell did you film all this? You have a team? You did it solo? How long did this take to edit??m

[@SaltNBattery]

Lucky for those babies, they lucked out with two good dads. Shame they had a poor mother.

[@rodneycacatian]

... this is how solo parents survived

[@justaskin8523]

@@SaltNBattery She may have appeared to be a poor mother, and for those six chicks, I suppose she was. But birds are amazing creatures. They hide illness very well. She may have developed an internal problem. Leaving the nest with brooding chicks present for more than a day, for example, is not normal behavior. To leave a nest with an active brood present would go against the drive that birds have to raise their young. Unless there's a serious problem, which Mrs. Kes no-doubt knew about. Birds, like cats, dogs, and people, are social creatures. It's possible that she was dying and she knew it, and so removed herself from the family unit. Cats will do this.

[@xyz7572]

I’m rewatching this in honour of Mr Kes getting to be on BBC for Father’s Day 😊 Thank you Robert for having made it possible for all of us to see this, and for sharing Mr and Mrs Kes’ story with the world 🤗❤️

[@bensenmufwambi7921]

It is heartbreaking that Mrs. Kes disappeared and we will never know why. You are such a good advocate for Mr. Kes and his brood. What a joy to see them flourish with you and Mr. Kes tag teaming their support! Thanks for an fascinating and informative video!

[@Spyrodelta]

I'm thinking why she disappeared is because of all the stress and the fact that there were so many births nearby and kept on attacking The nest she couldn't take it anymore.

[@RickAstley224]

Mrs Kes disappeared because female kestrels will leave the nest if they get too stressed

[@JohnDoe-pd4jo]

😂 She probably found a more richer kestrel Smh

[@rex290]

This seems the most likely reason. Poor bird! rough time of it@@Spyrodelta

[@lhcsmith2]

Probably she was killed by a predator. Hawks or eagles.

[@careypierce8131]

A full hour of Mr. Kes….how lucky are we? I miss you Mr. and Mrs. Kes. You truly touched my ♥️

[@RobertEFuller]

Hope you enjoy watching the full story!

[@Paular845]

@@RobertEFuller I know I really have... it's to bad Mr. Kes has died/disappeared... he was remarkable.

[@SkyWire88]

@@RobertEFuller What might be causing the demise of the adult Kestrals? What gives?

[@sandgrownun66]

@@SkyWire88 What causes the demise of any species? It depends what you mean in the sense of "demise"?

[@krasje28]

@@Paular845 You mean Mrs Kes i guess? Because Mr Kes was around.

[@theowlmancometh]

The hour long journey of Mr Kes and Robert, surrogate fathers to six beautiful little kestrels. Thank you for this saga!

[@nunadelong9671]

What an amazing daddy. How extraordinary for a male to work out how to feed his brood. Life prevails.

[@lokes6604]

@@user-sc3ts6lf8r For birds? Not that common huh

[@kaigrant88]

Mr. Kes, a single father of 6 babies and doing so well. Picking up the extra tasks. He's awesome. I hope that even though he hasn't been sighted in 2 months, he's still doing okay

[@carbon8ng]

What a love story! These six little kestrel chicks had TWO devoted fathers ( unlikely a pair as they were) who worked hard together to raise them. So beautifully documented. Thank you so much, Robert.

[@chilly777]

Yes Robert, Thank you for stepping up and helping as usual 🙏❤️

[@mohammadpourheydarian5877]

oh ye I don't now even what to say such a romantic life

[@lydiarowe491]

Such a beautiful sentiment..brought about the most probable survival of these chicks..a special place created by Robert’s devotion to the wild..❤

[@JoseRodriguez-zy6jq]

❤️

[@jacqui5793]

That was so lovely to see ,it was AMAZING ❤❤

[@papamurrth1]

The moment Mr. Kes tore up the food to feed to the chicks, my heart lept, such an uplifting moment. So proud of Mr. Kes, and thankful to you Robert. Only recently discovered your channel, although I think I've seen you on the BBC? Anyway, you're doing some magical work, and long may it continue

[@RobertEFuller]

Hi 👋 and welcome to my channel You may well have seen me on the BBC but most of my time is spent on doing videos for My KZbin and Facebook channels nowadays

[@soopengyap2257]

Non

[@JAdotNET]

@@RobertEFuller I have a cardinal cam that I love watching & interacting with the wildlife here on my property. Your place is absolutely gorgeous & I would love to acquire something similar to continue my wildlife photography & videos. Continue with your great work…it’s your calling

[@MrMesquita13]

that is so powerfull

[@lucillezabel]

Best birthday morning spent watching fascinating Mr and Mrs Kes. By the way Mrs Kes disappeared for 20 days what gives?

[@baitulatiq8459]

Sir, I am crying watching the 2/3 of the video. You have done a really remarkable job with the chicks. I am so happy they are okay with you and your wife there. Stay healthy and safe, sir.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you - the story had a happy outcome and continues with the youngest chick now having eggs of his own at the moment.

[@jenstacey7743]

@@RobertEFullerThat is remarkable! Thanks for sharing!

[@CarrieAnn77]

Mr. Kes definitely deserves father of the year! Hopefully he finds an amazing mate deserving of him and we'll get to watch him and her again next year. He's an amazing father! Hoping Mrs Kes is looking down and I'm sure if she is, she is very proud of her mate.

[@hedgehog.of.cydonia]

Mr Kes is so smart and determined for his children, my heart 🖤

[@pantherstar]

I hate it when people make animal documentaries, especially on endangered animals, and do nothing to help the young when they’re in need. Your help with these birds was amazing, and it absolutely made my heart melt! What a wonderful video and great job you did!

[@kingnaldo4058]

This dad is an example for all fathers regardless of the difference in species...🤔

[@RobertEFuller]

Mr Kes was so good 😊

[@antonydecosta6262]

Why isn't the mother an example too

[@lilRadRidinHood]

​@@antonydecosta6262Mother may have even sacrificed herself in order to lure the vicious owls and jackdaws away from the nest. I'm thinking that because the intruders stopped attacking the nest - even when the babies were left totally alone. The murdering birds were aware of more Kestrels being born in the area and knew their target was the source so they eliminated the mother bird but luckily ignored Mr. Kes. They never would have expected that he would prolong the chicks lives like he did, and some of us didn't see it coming either 😊 I love a video with pleasant ending

[@JohnDoe-pd4jo]

You made that whole thing up just to deflect smh. Typical

[@hbanana7]

RIP Mr. Kes. May his babies thrive! Thank you for uploading the whole story. EDIT: Sorry for the misleading comment. I only know that Mr. Kes is no longer at Fotherdale. I know not where he is.

[@MJsonniedee]

Mr. Kes died? When ?

[@Ahmadabdal_]

wait mr Kes is gone?

[@johnhickson]

What a story well done

[@angelserenade]

Not confirmed that mr. Kes might have died, but from recent REF's post, it's been more than 60 days since the last time he spotted Mr. Kes. It is not known if he has found another place to start a family, but as others have said, that kestrels won't abandon an established territory with a good food source. His disappearance can be caused of nest competition, a new mate somewhere out of the compound, or the winter had been harsh for him. We will never know.

[@mirrepoix]

@@angelserenade i hope he was just pushed out, and didn't pass away. being pushed out of his territory would be sad but i'd love to think he's found another place to raise more babies. maybe he found wherever Mrs. Kes went. wishful thinking, probably, but we can only hope. regardless, their lovely chicks will carry on in the wild thanks to his hard work and incredible capacity to learn.

[@annecohen8927]

This is one of the most touching and inspiring documentary about the struggles and the survivor of the Kestrel family especially when this man who helped organize and created this documentary is credited for helping the father Kestrel bird to feed and care for his broods. I feel sorry for the loss of their mother, but in the end, they gained a friend who happened to be a wonderful man with a mission and a huge heart. This is one of an amazing documentary that deserves to win an academy award for best documentary.

[@NiteFall7]

Love it when family come back to support you😅

[@TalentedDilittante]

You, Sir, are this story's wonderful hero.

[@angelserenade]

I fear for the worse of what could have happened to mr. Kes, but I'm really glad that we are able to follow his story and how his last fledgelings are able to survive to adulthood with him being a single parent

[@sandgrownun66]

It's Mrs. Kes that disappeared.

[@breadlandia]

​@@sandgrownun66 Mr kes has also disappeared unfortunately.

[@sandgrownun66]

@@breadlandia Where did it say this, in the video, or in a comment from Robert?

[@octogorb9853]

​@@sandgrownun66community post.

[@smidgen]

@@sandgrownun66 it's on a post in his community tab. kestrel life spans whilst in the wild aren't usually the longest, it's possible he may have just died naturally

[@judyperry861]

The wonderful Mr and Mrs Kes you will never be forgotten wherever you both are. Fly high both of you. Thanks Robert for this amazing story and all your help. I am sure little Jeff will never forget you Robert 💖

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 Jeff was courting a young female today so let’s hope there legacy continues

[@judyperry861]

@@RobertEFuller I am sure his legacy will continue, Good luck little Jeff

[@c.a.5808]

God bless you, Sir, and your hard work...and Thank-you for giving me such joy this morning with this wonderful story ❤️ I had the great honor of working in wildlife rehabilitation for the California Dept of Fish and Game. I worked with the CA Desert 🏜 Tortoises 🐢. I've been blessed and raised, Scarlett Macaws. But nothing compares to the joy of seeing animals returned to the way God intended back to their own territories and independence. I truly and deeply appreciate your support and work with these incredible Kestrels. You have helped provide the best of Mrs. & Mr. Kes genetics, to their future chick's for that I truly am forever 🙏 grateful Sir. Anyone who does this work gets many sleeples nights, and the failures are heartbreaking, but the successes are worth all. God bless Sir. and may your work and endeavors reach those of us who have no longer the ability to help these creatures in need. We share this joy in a way that you can't imagine... and deeply appreciate you taking us along on your journey. With many tears, I'm so very grateful 🙏 Thank God for your work. Sincerely Cindy.

[@tavenchristensen3157]

@@RobertEFuller Awe. Thank the Lord. - And it goes without saying thankyou to you Mr. Fuller. No doubt this is your lot in life!

[@elainecobb4175]

@@RobertEFuller isn’t that wonderful!! Fingers crossed. ❤️

[@lovenikolatesla846]

@22.48 Minutes in I got teary-eyed I was told not to mess with nature but there are times when us humans have to lend a helping hand,thank you for being humane 😊

[@Max-ye9xg]

In Orange County California every inch of land they have to build something very sad, look at all the open land beautiful

[@decayedtooth2564]

You are dare I say the David Attenborough of youtube. I love how each nest of birds have their own story and I love the way you tell it, it’s really beautiful how personal we can get to these gorgeous animals thanks to you. Much love from Kuwait.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks so pleased you are enjoying my films 😃

[@carriebradley7634]

I love this man. He is a wonderful human being with a beautiful heart. I thank him for his goodness and compassion.

[@Meles_mls]

Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Kes.. We'll all miss you dearly. Here's to hoping that Jeff and the rest of your babies will live full lives in your stead ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Jeff has been courting a female yesterday on the release of this video 😃

[@Meles_mls]

@@RobertEFuller Oh, that's wonderful news!! I hope they stick around so we can watch them!😄

[@Tonyal2012]

This is one of the very best nature and wildlife videos I have ever seen and I am 66 years young.

[@titicatfollies6615]

BRAVO to the whole family! And Bravo to Robert, too! What a delight! Where does Mr. Kes spend the nights?

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks Mr Kes sleeps in a barn in bad weather on the other side of the valley

[@judil3294]

Reliving this has some great moments in spite of the tears. That look on the chicks faces when your huge hand brings in their siblings, priceless.

[@moelarrycurly708]

My favorite part.

[@anniegreenwind971]

Their face’s were like, their lives flashed before their eyes! This is the end! 😳😱 So shocked!

[@thomaswilleborts6771]

With seeing the full story of Mr.and Mrs.Kess the circle has been completed. It's up to Jeff and the other full-grown Kestrell to live with the lessons of their great parenthood. Last but not least a big thank you on the helping hands you gave them 2,Robert. And making this fantastic documentary for all the Kestrell-lovers is more than a gift. I love it!❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@barbarablaisdell-kb7vu]

I wish Mrs Kes had returned but its so amazing to see how they worked together so well, and what Mr. Kes was able to learn and do on his own later (with a little help from you). As an artist and one who also loves birds (living creatures), I think how wonderful it must be that you have it all right there in such a beautiful setting. Thanks for the share! ❤

[@stanleywinter6946]

I could sit and watch the antics of these birds for ages. This is such a heartwarming video showing that all humans aren't cruel xxx

[@ScotChef]

There are no words to describe how amazing this was, well done that man ✊

[@fredadezwart5398]

Yes,i love him

[@coht12]

I love how their expression of surprise gets me every time, the round black eye, and the opened beak. They're affectionate to one another, and this taught me so much about what values we humans are lacking.

[@cynthiaadkins-zj9ut]

This is an incredible story. This is the 3rd time I've watched it. Thank you for posting it and thank you for helping these little kestrels thrive. You and Mr. Kes made a great pair.

[@indirasingha3568]

Thank you so much Mr. Robert for sharing the beautiful story of Mr & Mrs Kesh and their chicks.Mother nature and a human touch makes the world wonderful to live in.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markuhart8850]

What a great story, told really well. And your photography and documentation was fabulous. I had Kestrels when I was 14, six one year when a nesting site, a dead tree, was pulled down to clear the ranch land for development. This was in 1964 in the San Joaquin Valley, CA. I was fortunate to be there before the equipment arrived and removed them from the nest. I had no place to put them so I had no choice but to raise them. They all survived, fledged and were released. During the first year they would occasionally return but they learned how to feed on local mice, lizards and grasshoppers. One time a female returned with a grasshopper as if she wanted to show me she could hunt. Now I would need a falconry license to have just one, and then only be an apprentice falconer. Keep telling stories like this.

[@Gal26]

If only half of the world's population were to watch this heartwarming story, our world would surely become a better place.

[@abak123]

M

[@elainecobb4175]

Oh I think it would take more than this beautiful story of a male Bird’s devotion to his Chicks to save our world today. 😢

[@Diane-zi6mf]

​@Elaine Cobb mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@Diane-zi6mf]

​

[@Diane-zi6mf]

​

[@onthegrind5977]

We are so lucky for an hour of MR & Mrs Kes…. I know how much goes into the editing and everything…. Ty so much Robert! Much ❤from New Mexico USA 🇺🇸

[@donna.gthompson5337]

Llkkkk

[@kellydavidson3379]

That was an amazing story. I am in California and I have been following the peregrine family at UC Berkeley (Cal Falcons) this year and KZbin offered me this video as a result. I visited Yorkshire in 2008 and fell in love (and purchased an imported Dales Pony stallion around the same time bringing a piece of the Yorkshire Dales to California ). Thanks so much for posting this and sharing Mr. Kes' parenting journey. It was remarkable footage!

[@mataschmata]

40:58 This was so amazing to see, it's not even just a little bit he's absolutely ensuring they all get fed top to bottom. What an incredible pair.

[@saraglickman5889]

I'm heartbroken Mr. Kes is gone 💔😭 he was remarkable and beat all the odds by learning how to care for his chicks! I hope his sons learned a thing or 2 from him and will help chicks in the future if need be!

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes its difficult to think Mr and Mrs Kes have gone But a little ray of hope Jeff the younger chick was courting a female today 👍

[@saraglickman5889]

@@RobertEFuller that's good news!! I look forward to following along Jeff's journey!

[@jungensook]

I so love how you keep track of the birds and fill in when needed for the survival of them all!!! I'm learning alot!!! Your paintings are SO beautiful! !!! Thanks for all you do!!!!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the film and appreciate what I do it would have been very easy to bring all the kestrel chicks inside and hand rear them but they become imprinted on people very easily and that makes releasing them very difficult

[@missthang4982]

This is my second go round, at watching this upload. I can't get enough. Honestly? I really enjoy the longer videos. When I take breaks throughout my day? It relaxes me. Calms me. Your voice is an even keel. You don't yell at all, or get animated. There's no annoying background noise and the scenery in between is just beautiful and lush. I've taken many screenshots of the landscape from various videos you've uploaded and use them as screensavers on various devices. My favourite part of this particular upload? Is the hilarious look of surprise on the the three chick's faces when you first re-introduce the struggling three back in the nest. 🤣... Showed my husband and he too got a kick out of the look on their faces. They're all... "Who the heck are these three clowns Rob!?"... lol.. Great upload! Ty ty ❤🙏 🇨🇦✌️

[@RobertEFuller]

Hi 👋 glad you are enjoying what we do here and we are going to do some longer films in the future

[@calebwiley9587]

This is by far one of the coolest KZbin channels I've ever seen, seeing someone who has basically fostered multiple sets of birds on one property and done such a great job building there nest that they keep coming back.... SO COOOOL

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you are enjoying my channel and I’m pleased I’m still COOOOL 😁 🦉🦅

[@martinapelayo3034]

Bless you for your intervention. With so many species becoming exinct, I'm so relieved that you're helping them survive.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

I don’t want to watch anything else on KZbin. I can’t get enough of these Robert. Thanks from Victoria Canada.👍🏾

[@AlishaV]

Poor babies, so glad they survived. Might be time to create a new nesting site for the kestrels. Not finding one that felt safe enough might have contributed to Mrs. Kes' disappearance. The baffle was a great idea, but it seemed like she remembered the issues with the previous year and couldn't settle completely, watching both openings in constant anxiety, then was set off again when she kept getting hassled by the owls.

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

This is such a heartwarming story. I followed this live last year. So amazing that Mr. Kes took care of his chicks! Definitely defying all the text books! Thank you so much, for your love of wildlife and willingness to provide them with places to thrive, even helping them out when they get in a jam. Wouldn't the world be such a better place, if everyone did their own small part. Thank you, Mr. Fuller.

[@steveo89]

Aw I'm watching southwest Florida eagle live cam and the momma eagle got into a fight with another eagle and then disappeared and hasnt been back in a month but the dad bald eagle has been taking care of the 2 eaglets bringing fish everyday. It's so amazing to watch.

[@pinprapareith3468]

Much love for Mr. Kes. Thank you for helping them along. ❤❤

[@erikamitchell8502]

This was as good if not better than anything produced on television. Thank you it was beautiful

[@erstwhile6163]

What a beautiful story with all the hallmarks of a great adventure. Robert, you are amazing. So multi-talented I feel so attached to this family of Kestrels, and it’s wonderful to keep learning small details about the breed with each video. Thank you again for your fine work. You are a National treasure Robert.

[@RobertEFuller]

thank you

[@elainecobb4175]

I totally agree.

[@mishaanton5436]

Truely.

[@useemehere2]

Without Robert all this chick will not survive.

[@tavenchristensen3157]

Here Here!

[@eileenp9226]

What a joy and heartwarming story. Mr. Kres stepped up and did a marvelous job caring for the 6. Your loving, caring, and nuturing ensured their survival. Well done!!

[@piedadunda1647]

he was calling the wife he has the hart broken, and has to learn how to fed the children, so sad.

[@shilohndrah]

I love the Kestrel family's story, and never tire of watching it, it is so beautiful. Thank you Robert for lending a huge helping hand to help the kestrel chicks make it through when their Mrs. Kes went off the deep end. She just wasn't herself any more. I wonder what happened to her.

[@michellereed5638]

I love how Robert has fixed the nest for the Kestrels so that the owls do not take over the nest. He seems to know natural ways to to help each species. This is the second video and I am subscribed now. I watched the video on Bomber and Luna with the six adopted owlels and loved it. NOW I am watching this one. I am excited to watch it unfold. I am just fascinated at how Robert goes about doing these things, assisting nature, helping nature, while not causing his subjects to become dependent upon him. Many people who make animals and wild birds their pets could benefit from watching his videos!

[@AE-se9bl]

What a wonderful treat this one hour video ! Great to see it this way, we followed the story as it happened on the stream. Sad that now both Mr and Mrs Kes are no longer with us. Love to watch their babies thrive, so nice Jeff is here quite often ! Thank you Robert E Fuller for this and all you do for our beloved birds and wildlife! 🥰🤗

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 big news Jeff was courting a female today ❤️

[@AE-se9bl]

@@RobertEFuller That is really wonderful news ❤️❤️❤️

[@leopillay3690]

Thank you Robert, for stepping in and taking care of these beautiful birds ...what a lovely documentary, alot of love , patience, time and dedication has gone into this lovely documentary...thank you , Robert 🙏🇿🇦

[@edhunt7789]

That took a lot of work to put that together. Your content is superb.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 it’s was a big project but well worth it 😉 A real pleasure being a small part of those young kestrels lives and then being able to share it with so many people 😃

[@zozoc5795]

I love this little corner of KZbin - it’s so wonderful 😊. I never used to give birds a second thought but now I really enjoy listening to and watching them

[@RobertEFuller]

That’s so great to here you appreciate Birds more after watching my videos it makes me very happy 😃 to see comments like this

[@zozoc5795]

@@RobertEFuller Thank you because it does make a difference and now I can recognise some calls when I go for morning walks.

[@sh1nyarm0r]

Wow. Thank you. I was apprehensive each time when the chicks were left alone. Good to see they all survived growing in the nest.

[@RobertEFuller]

I was apprehensive too but it was important to try to keep the chicks as wild as possible Hand reared ones by humans are more difficult to release

[@stlouisix3]

@@RobertEFuller It's fascinating watching this; thanks, mate!!!

[@revo2maxx]

So beautiful. Thank you for your help with these beautiful birds. I am so sorry for the what seems as a Loss of Ms. Kes, I hope the Fledged ones and Mr. Kes are doing well.

[@Rinalex2018]

Thank you Mr. Robert Fuller for sharing such a wonderful story of Mr. & Mrs. Kestrel with their chicks, i really enjoyed and appreciate how you helped them until they they can fly on their own. Great job!!!

[@flamingomtn]

Thank you for this video. We had an incident just like this in the States with a pair of bald eagles. Mum disappeared and dad raised the chicks by himself....so far. He has had so many obstacles with intruders at the nest, but he's doing well. SWFL Eagle Cam

[@Mimi-74]

What an amazing father. The poor Mr Kestrel looked so confused at first, but really figured it out. Those beautiful fledglings. I'm so glad they all made it.

[@beverlyarcher3744]

Well it's usually the mom that feeds them that's why it took dad awhile to figure out how to feed them

[@Mimi-74]

@@beverlyarcher3744 Yes. I'm quite clear on that point. That is why I commented on the obvious look of confusion on his face that was so endearing. Despite all, he did an amazing job.

[@Shane-sf9pv]

Shout out to all you single dads out there busting your butts to provide for your kids. You are appreciated!

[@Idumab]

Outstanding! I was enthralled with your narration and so happy to see the precious babies spread their wings and fly! You stepping up to co-dad when Mrs. Kes disappeared was amazing to witness. Bravo!

[@Spyderredtoo]

Mr. Fuller, you are truly a good man and sharing your knowledge and experience is education and I suspect encourages others to support birds everywhere.

[@sedricsmith1503]

I think it's wonderful how you love these birds, we need more like you.

[@jjcrow007]

It’s so interesting seeing the look in their eyes and their body language. You can almost infer or see what each chick and Kestrel is thinking/feeling. Quite amazing and a very special journey to be able to watch

[@TheStickCollector]

Literally the reason I cam to this channel. Finally. Hope they're happy now

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

I can only imagine the massive gratification you’ve experienced throughout your successful endeavors. You bring so much joy. More than I can express, many thanks.

[@sonievkay]

You can tell the siblings love each other. The smallest one and last to leave the nest; it’s sibling came back to keep it company....awwwww. I mean..... it’s just so sweet.❤. And the father....what is there to say about him? He was amazing.

[@ExplodingPiggy]

Just a single Dad just doing his best

[@marinaps5302]

I spent days and days watching them grow up on live stream, who would have thought that Jeff would carry on the legacy of his parents...strong little bird, thank you for the video and for everything you do

[@RobertEFuller]

Jeff in charge 🤔 yes that’s a real surprise to me too 😃

[@marinaps5302]

@@RobertEFuller a very nice surprise God bless him he really is a fighter, he just needs to catch that girlfriend😅😅🤞

[@kaigrant88]

I know! I'm so excited for Jeff! Maybe he'll know how to feed like his father learned how to

[@marinaps5302]

@@kaigrant88 We'll see if Jenny will let him feed them, he is learning little by little, I'm sure he will try that too

[@higgsbonbon]

I'm eager to see the nesting behavior of the fledglings, I have to wonder if Mr. Kes' personality is hereditary... Seeing microevolution in action would be incredible, his behaviour ensured both his and Mrs. Kes' fitness, even if they're gone.

[@membranealpha5961]

wow i didn't even think about that.

[@RobertEFuller]

Well the youngest of the brood is still here so I’m hoping we will be able to watch on the livestream

[@sandgrownun66]

This couldn't be classified as microevolution. It just usually the female's role to do the brooding and feed the chicks in this species. The male just provides a supply of food. Although he obviously has the ability to take over from the female, as in this case.

[@sandgrownun66]

@ferret No. The instinct was probably already there somewhere. It just took a little time for it to be expressed. If the male had remembered a recent event. He would have been better at it from the start. Instead, it was a gradual process, as he learned how to feed the eyasses.

[@Momsworldalways]

Thank you it's such a sight to see how so many different things can happen in nature and without knowing and intervening so many outcomes would be different. I'm truly grateful to see your posts knowing that

[@user-tk9qq5jq7j]

What beautiful creatures Robert. Thank goodness Mr Kes's instincts kicked in and was able to rear his clutch to fledging with the help of a wonderful you.

[@bigemugamer]

42:46 "Now at three weeks old, their feathers are developing to." THREE weeks old!! Feels like it's been 3 months by this point! =D Beautiful video and a wonderful setup.

[@lacroix9407]

Congrats on helping Dad with his children! There is a special place in Heaven for poets like you.

[@johnchristopher2g]

This countryside is so breathtaking. imagine waking up every day feeling the fresh breeze of air and seeing this beautiful scenery.

[@louisajulia4161]

I first became acquainted with you Robert, your various wildlife films, your artistry, the fantastic outdoor habitat setup you built at your home and your love of animals when my local PBS station aired a segment of their show "Nature". It was a show about stoats, weasels, badgers & ferrets and starred Bandita. After watching I became an instant fan! I then found you on KZbin. I was introduced to your collection of countless numbers of videos on a wide variety of animal life. Your love and dedication is truly an inspiration! Thank you for providing us with such up close & personal viewing into these precious lives!

[@shilohndrah]

Love the story of Mr. & Mrs. Kes! Can't tell you how many times I've watched and felt sooo uplifted and encouraged ❤❤❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@eileenie3101]

Even bird dads can take over what’s traditionally mom bird role. It is so beautiful!

[@cindygardner4896]

Aww poor Mrs Kes, she looked so stressed the whole time, she did so well protecting them! It was too much for her, poor mama.

[@evanpenny348]

Mr Kess: good lad. You too Robert. Cheers from nz.

[@German_Shepherd_Mom]

what a wonderful way to wake up here in Washington State, a full hour of beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Kes, and the owls...you made my day Robert. Thank you for such a beautiful video. 💞🦅🕊💞🦉🦉

[@PestilentAllosaurus]

Same here, I'm from the edge Spanaway, absolutely love waking up and watching either the livestreams or the storyline videos like this one!

[@sandgrownun66]

@@PestilentAllosaurus "the edge Spanaway". What's that?

[@PestilentAllosaurus]

@@sandgrownun66 A person from Washington would know.

[@sandgrownun66]

@@PestilentAllosaurus Which Washington. The one in Tyne and Wear, England? First recorded in 1096?

[@PestilentAllosaurus]

@@sandgrownun66 No, Washington State, like what OP post said they lived in. Lol Sorry, at first I was a bit off-put because there's some dumb Americans who are like "D.C.?" And forget Washington state as a whole is a thing. So it's a State in America. ^^ But that's fascinating to know there are so many locations with the name Washington! I'll have to do a lot of learning thanks to you!

[@lindadarlison3789]

What dedication, thank you Robert. A wonderful insight to the countryside and some of the caring people who live there.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed the film 😃

[@Vinlaell]

I love how when the last kestrel had to spend the night alone one of its siblings came to stay with him

[@AbugaMokaya]

Never would I imagine myself watching a bird documentary. But this is beautiful got me hooked from start to finish.

[@bealynn2258]

THIS STORY is one that will be REMEMBERED for a long long time!! #MrKesForever 😊👍👍💯💕

[@Judithestears]

This was fantastic. I wondered if the Mother got hurt on one of the intrusions. Seems odd to leave her nest…thankful for your endeavors all.

[@RobertEFuller]

There was definitely something wrong with Mrs Kes they don’t just up and leave she might have been injured or had a disease Unfortunately we will never know for sure

[@shayariEshq]

@@RobertEFuller God bless her beautiful departed soul. It is comforting to know God says in the Bible not a sparrow falls without God's knowledge. All animals are important to God 🌤🕊💫

[@helenm2169]

what a wonderful film by a wonderful caring man....back to the film...

[@the_gospel_and_the_prophetic]

That was truly beautiful. What a bird lover Mr. Lee is! Wow! He must be a good father.

[@masoudmaani]

Such a heartwarming story You really are an incredible human being Mr. Fuller Much love and respect ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks glad you enjoyed the kestrels film 👍 it was a pleasure being a small part of there lives

[@freedomfighter4990]

I suspect Mrs. Kes was behaving strangely because there was something wrong w/her & she succumbed to an infection or illness of some sort. But God bless you Robert for coming to the rescue of those chicks!😘 This was tremendously enjoyable & I learned so much about kestrels.

[@atherisGAY]

She did seem ill, she was struggling with balance and depth perception. :( The added stress of predators was probably too much for her.

[@chakraborty1989]

She's cheating behind the back of mr. Kes and finally decided to leave with AP 😅

[@lizblock9593]

I was wondering if it was pesticide poisoning, as there is so much agriculture in the area.

[@fingerprint5511]

What a blessing you are and well done Dad - 'dads', amazing.