Kestrel Dad's Sudden Disappearance | Jeff & Jenny | Robert E Fuller

[@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

[@redraider5704]

It is shattering news but he would not have lived that long if it were'nt for the amazing person you are ❤

[@nancydemoss2945]

Poor Jeff! Sorry for your, the chicks, and Jenny's loss. 😢

[@WobblesandBean]

Hi, Robert. I know you mean well, but that feeding post you use is causing more harm than good. I fear it may have been what led to Jeff's death. Firstly, the post is completely out in the open and unprotected on all sides, so any bird that's on it is extremely vulnerable to an attack from the air, which is exactly what we saw happen with that kite. When a bird is on the post, their head is down inspecting or picking up the food. They are distracted and significantly less likely to notice a larger predator swooping in from above. Secondly, the more you place food consistently in a single spot like that, the more it will attract other raptors, and the more they will aggressively try to protect it. It is already unnatural for rodents to regularly appear prekilled and out in the open on a convenient platform for the taking, and so it is forcing equally unnatural interactions between raptors who would not typically cross paths so frequently or openly. By luring them all to a single, small location where only one bird can get food per feeding, you are incentivizing these raptors to fight each other over it. This will only lead to an increase of injuries to these magnificent birds. As a zoologist I'm not keen on feeding wild animals at all for reasons like the ones I just explained, but if you're not going to stop, at the very least can you please, *_please_* change the way you go about it? Alter the post to provide cover, like some densely mounted foliage or a canopy, so the kestrels can still access it easily, while being shielded from view and making it impossible for a kite or other bird to strike from above. Or you can spread the rodents out on multiple different mounts all throughout the kestrel's territory, switching them up to completely new ones on an inconsistent schedule, so other raptors won't be able to predict where the food will be and therefore fight over it less. Or ideally, both. Please consider my proposal. I don't want to see any more kestrels die, especially due to well-intentioned but ultimately harmful human intervention.

[@kimreika5456]

u put rings on the birds legs right? cant you put a gps thing in it so you know where the birds are going so you kinda know why they dont come back?

[@helvaxh8348]

Poor Jeff! I wish we knew what happened to him but I suppose it’s obvious it’s nothing good. He was a devoted and unique dad. It’s so special to see a male kestrel take up caring for and feeding his chicks. I have no doubt he’d be there if he could.

[@WobblesandBean]

My guess is the Kite got him. 😞Either that, or he didn't come away as unscathed as Robert thought. With those sharp talons, a puncture wound wouldn't be out of the ordinary, and those can become infected very quickly.

[@Astronurd]

It's amazing that Jeff had the trait of feeding the chicks obviously handed down to him from Mr Kes. This is almost unheard of behaviour in male Kestrels. Keep up the fantastic work Robert.

[@dilbertbilbertcrabbert1868]

I wonder if any of Jeff's children might have exhibited similar behaviour in future if he got to raise them longer.

[@MichelleNyxRaymond]

Very fascinating indeed. ☺️

[@Killjoy_Mel]

@@dilbertbilbertcrabbert1868 It ain't just nurture, a good part of it can also be nature, an inclination towards nurturing your offspring even if feeding and brooding aren't quite known for your species' males. I mean, you can see it among humans too. Despite the heavily misogynistic past thousands of years there have always been fathers who fully and joyously take to caring and nurturing for their offspring, girls, boys and everybody in between or outside alike, with or without a prior parental example. Kestrels are fiercely capable and intelligent. I don't see why Jeff or his offspring wouldn't look at its hatchlings and go 'they are cold and hungry. I will brood and feed them, and we will all be okay.'

[@TCB1975]

@@Killjoy_Melshortly after my first son was born I got really sick and had to be hospitalized. When my mother called to see who was taking care of the baby. When I told her that my husband was taking care of our baby, she was so shocked. She couldn’t believe he knew how to take care of him.

[@jesussinaloa9300]

Animals evolve like humans do. They learn new ways of doing things and over time it can be become part of the culture

[@MentalMeles]

That compilation of Jeff’s growth from a tiny chick to a young kestrel really made my heart ache. He was so young… It’s really true that the flames that burn twice as bright last half as long. But at least he was able to help bring a few chicks into the world before he left. Hopefully they’re able to live long and healthy lives in their father’s stead. ❤

[@solidpat221]

Jeff going missing was a real rough time on the stream. He will definitely be missed 😢

[@Jennifer.Rose24]

It sure was. I still miss seeing him on the feeding post every day.

[@Skyla944]

So sorry that you lost Jeff. He looked like a wonderful bird. Hopefully one day we may see his offspring return. ❤

[@hedgehog.of.cydonia]

it's amazing that Jeff probably learned how to care for his offspring from his father 😭❤️

[@anga9495]

No!!! Not Jeff! This is terrible news for the community. I'm so very very sorry. I know you all love him so dearly. Beautiful to watch you help so many species and to tell their stories with such passion. Thank you, Robert!

[@Killjoy_Mel]

Nature is very beautiful but also merciless. Well, here's an entire brood of downy babies who can take up dad's feathery mantle.

[@maggiesfarm7970]

I grew up with my mother rehabilitating wild birds. I remember several who just disappeared over the years. It just happens...

[@kathycronin3571]

I hate to see the same fate repeated. But Jenny is as strong as Mr Kes was

[@WobblesandBean]

4:24 Hi, I'm an ornithologist. Part of me wonders if this behavior is an adaptation we're seeing develop in front of our very eyes, and may not be so rare after all. Kestrels have been in decline in the UK for quite some time, so an adaptation like this would ensure higher survival rates for chicks. If male kestrels are learning how to feed their own chicks, then that's excellent news for the species.

[@mbgal7758]

I’m so crushed about Jeff. At least he got to enjoy being a father at least once. He looked like he really loved it. 😢

[@pyron674]

2023 was a hard year for these majestic bird-dads. First Finn, now Jeff. :( Thanks for looking out for them sir Robert!

[@dianacanales2526]

Poor Jeff! But what a great father he was! Lovely to see the healthy chicks thriving, and Jenny doing such a great job with your help, Robert. Thank-you for sharing!❤

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

Your Kestrels are the loveliest birds. Jeff wasn't going to lead the Kite to his nest. Smart Dad. It's astonishing to see Jeff, who was fed, by his papa Mr. Kes, feed his little ones too. Thanks REF. The best and most interesting Wildlife channel ever. 😍 I'm so sorry Jeff went missing. 😢

[@louisecotulla4296]

Oh, Robert. It's sad that this had to happen to Jeff.

[@IM_Arcades]

I'm sad Jeff is gone but seeing that he is able to replicate his father, Mr. Kes, feeding his young is very amazing. I am hoping Jeff and Jenny's offspring manages to do so as well when they grow up.

[@Iflie]

Aw, how tragic, it's so interesting that he was fed by his father and did it with his chicks with no confusion like his father first had, he did it right straight away. I hope his own sons have picked up on it too though they are so young.

[@juliesong4123]

So sad about Jeff! I remember when he hatched. Such a wonderful bird!

[@parikshith7423]

Jeff 😢😢😢 , showed this video to my son he watched fully so interesting growth of beautiful birds in tough lyf he liked it.

[@Dan-nt2yb]

One of the very best channels on KZbin. Magnificent work Robert.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@MichelleMeckley]

That broke my heart to know that Jeff was gone at just a year old. And he was such a good parent, even feeding his chicks, just like his father did. I can't imagine how much sadder you are - you we're with him since he was a chick and I only knew him for 12 minutes! 😢 God bless you for helping Jenny ❤

[@Noctilionidae]

Its amazing that Jeff picked up Mr Kes's trait of feeding his young. Terribly sad to see him go.

[@caroledwards1182]

That's so sad we've lost Jeff, especially at such a young age. He was a great dad so, hopefully, we'll be able to continue his story with his chicks.

[@richardjohnson5529]

You are a real life saver and wildlife Hero Robert.

[@marysaltlife1427]

Robert, I'm very sorry you've lost Jeff. I see in your video he was very special to you. May your heart heal in peace soon. GOD bless you.

[@Bpl541]

😢bless them all ❤️🙏

[@shreeveda]

Tough life for a single mother of any species. What a wonderful video! The patience and passion of Mr Fuller, are teaching many.

[@aurenitapedrazzi5036]

I watch it just to listen to your voice! It is so soothing 😊 of course I enjoy the birds as well

[@malindafernando1963]

Agreed 100%. Soothing voice one in million get this blessed voice

[@hummingbirderr]

jeff’s story is incredibly heartwarming it’s such a shame it ended so soon ☹️ he will be missed infinitely💔🕯

[@parikshith7423]

Good work saved wild lyf 😊😊 🎉 hats off sir

[@johna6767]

Poor Jeff. 😪Thank you Robert for being such a wonderful help to these birdies in their time of need!

[@Fathercorvid]

Its sad seeing that Jeff had passed away. But its good to know that the chicks are thriving. Hopefully they can pass off Jeff's bloodline.

[@louisecotulla4296]

Are they still too young to tell which are male and which are female?

[@Fathercorvid]

@louisecotulla4296 yea, normally when they fledge they are Brown just like their mother, but the males get a grey head and tail later on, females get it too but at a much slower rate. Older females have hints of grey but it's not really visible

[@angelserenade]

I still can't get over that Jeff is already gone in just a year. He was apple-of-the-eye for the viewers when they were still chicks. But it's good to know that Mr. Kes has passed down that trait of male kestrel feeding their chicks to Jeff, and hopefully Jeff's brood will also pass down that trait to their own brood

[@leeS04]

Enjoy Mr. Fullers videos and the kindness he gives to the wilders. Poor Jeff and family!

[@christinerose4839]

More than sad to hear of Jeff’s disappearance his unique upbringing and sweet face when he looked at his tiny family 😢 his amazing spirit will be in his offspring. wildlife is beautiful and sad .your work to help these beautiful birds is more than rewarding i truly love Englands wildlife.

[@Agnus78]

Nice storytelling, thank you for this film :) I still hoped to the end for Jeff to come back.

[@CatharinaShields]

My heart aches for Jeff. He was such a special Kestrel. I'm hopeful that Jenny will be a great mother despite the loss of her mate, and she raises the chicks to be strong Kestrels and make Jeff proud.

[@teribelleau137]

😢 OMG...I'm in tears. Poor Jeff. Can't wait for the next episode to see how this turns out. ❤

[@janetturner7489]

Thanks Robert for sharing, life is hard for wildlife to succeed, isn't it. Thank goodness there are people like yourself who care.

[@陳嘉宇-y4q]

Hope Jenny will come back with a new mate next year She's doing the work flawlessly as a first time mother

[@Hossak]

Thank you for showing us this amazing story. Jeff was a special bird and he will always be flying free in my heart. Great story!

[@MM-qb9is]

If followed Mr and Mrs Kes' journey all through including the delightful live cams. Though I don't have time to do thst now I am very much loving the ongoing generational journey of these wondrous beings. I can't believe Jeff was feeding the chicks without the duress Mr Kes faced of no Mrs Kes. I'm hoping one of the chicks at least will be nesting in one of your amazing filmed hollows for the next generation of kestrels and their delightful story. 😢❤

[@sonamlhamo1706]

a real hardworking dad....takes his responsibilty of providing for his family real seroously.. human dads can learn alot from these birds....

[@ginailiadis8061]

I'm so heartbroken that Jeff is gone. 💔😭 He was so young... I followed his story with his dad since he hatched. At least he was able to carry on his bloodline, and hopefully the caring trait that he inherited from his father. May you rest in peace little Jeff. And may your three chicks, and the rest of your descendants carry on your legacy for years to come. Thank you Robert for all you do for these birds, as well as others. You are a true inspiration. ❤️

[@mariettehamel12358]

Sad that Jeff disappeared but... that's life! Lucky mother that has YOU to compensate! Great job... 👌💖🤩

[@winteronice]

It's very interesting to see Jeff feeding chicks like Mr. Kes was forced to do. So sorry we lost him.

[@kai.a4708]

Aw, Jeff!! He will be missed! 😢❤

[@jaydiarie]

So sorry Jeff ! You were a good dad… 😢

[@shadowkiller20]

Thanks Mr. Fuller's helping the mother & the chicks. Last time a mother Kestrel disappeared and now it's a father Kestrel disappeared. 😟It isn't easy to survive in the wild.

[@rwv3n]

it's incredibly sad to hear about the disappearance of Jeff. I remember him as a hatchling with Mr and Mrs Kes. He will be dearly missed.

[@chriscarlsen2100]

I'm not crying! 😢 Robert, you did a beautiful job telling Jeff's story. He was an exceptional bird. I loved following his story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Its amazing how he fed his own chick's like his dad fed him. Because of Mr Kess , Kestrels have become my favorite birds of prey. We have them here in the states as well. And every once in awhile I'll see one sitting on the wires by my house. Anyway, I'm sorry you lost this beautiful boy. I'm just an outsider looking in and it broke my heart to hear he passed. I can imagine his loss was pretty hard for you. Well, hopefully one of these chick's will stick around and we'll be able to see the 3rd generation of this story. Rip Jeff 😭

[@Lythiaren]

Robert was away when these chicks fledged, so they were never ringed. I'm afraid we'll never know what becomes of them, but I hope they live long and happy lives.

[@louisecotulla4296]

I was wondering why they were not named and ringed.thanks!

[@theck672]

Thanks for all you do!

[@Mark-mu4pj]

Rip poor Jeff was a good dad, he will be missed.

[@connieflanery1568]

Thank you, Mr. Fuller, for sharing this video.

[@AlainSTO]

Thank you for helping Jenny!

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks for this beautiful and yet so sad video of Jeff and Jennyy and their chicks ! Life sure is unfair, to loose sweet Jeff so young ! A wonderful husband and dad he was !! The chicks are so lucky to have their sweet mum Jenny and bless you for giving a helping hand Robert E Fuller! 🥰🤗❤❤❤❤❤

[@mirandamartin4001]

Poor Jeff. So sad his life was likely cut short, but at least he lived to have a family

[@Lorgayle1]

Robert, I just love how you intervene to help all wildlife to stay alive. You are a real gem.

[@TheDimensionDweller]

My heart breaks for Jeff. I understand that it's just nature, but it's sad to see a Kestrel we watched from hatching disappear without the closure of knowing exactly what happened to him.

[@mimixmin]

I still miss Jeff so much. He really was so special to everyone. Thank you Robert for such a beautiful video about him and his little family.

[@stacyreedy7109]

I'm so 😢 about his disappearance. It's good you're helping.

[@neva.2764]

Thank you for helping out ❤

[@Sage2lo]

Jeff's bloodline is blessed and also cursed. It's blessed with the ability of males being able to feed, but it's cursed with the sudden disappearance of parents.

[@lindazuba]

Thanks for letting me share in the joy of watching them, and the sadness of the dad's passing. I so appreciate being able to see what I'd never be able to see otherwise. Thanks for helping them out. 😊❤😢

[@dawnmancell2330]

Very awesome thank you for sharing your videos ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@malindafernando1963]

Wonderful video once again .

[@echosilva863]

Such a heartwarming channel, Thank you!!

[@karenritter2574]

Beautiful birds. Sad to hear about their dad.

[@Al.W7263]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you.

[@tronbunny]

We were all so in love with Jeff. And we fell for Jenny the same we he did. The beautiful keslets are a dream come true. But the loss of Jeff was a terrible heartbreak. 💔💔

[@louisecotulla4296]

Please update soon. I can't wait for the next chapter in this fascinating story! I think you have us all hooked.

[@Jennifer.Rose24]

Jenny and Jeff had the sweetest bond. I dont like to give birds human emotions often but you could almost feel the love between them. Jeff will forever be a shooting star. Beautiful and brilliant his life was and he very likely wouldnt have survived to fledge if Robert hasn't intervened to save the younger chicks in 2022. Even if his life was cut short it is truly wonderful he got to experience such a great partner and chicks of his own. He will be forever missed and Jenny such a lovely female. I hope she and their chicks stay well.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Excellent video. I really enjoyed watching it. Glad Jenny is doing well with the chicks.

[@alfrede5492]

Your videos are addictive - filled with adversity and triumph at the same time... depicting nature and life at its best. You have a gift for this... keep it up. Love your perfect balance of intervention when apprropiate. Appreciate your work !

[@lucyallsop88]

God bless their beautiful souls.

[@Rudy_Play]

Thank you for subtyling in English. In Russia, we sometimes watch your videos in biology classes using auto-translation.

[@stevendavies7035]

great video and you do great work sorry about Jeff

[@simplycurlyde]

Always enjoy your stories Robert! Can't wait for the continuation. That is so sad about Jeff😢he was already a great dad, just like his father. God bless you for helping them with the extra food.

[@veldawells2839]

Wonderful, and sad. ❤

[@kenairay05]

Jeff and Mr. kes and Mrs. kes are strong, kastral, and smart and switching to warming up the eggs

[@Hook-me4zy]

You do great work, thank you for sharing it.

[@jennyc1164]

Though I follow the live it’s interesting that you were able to capture Jeff’s altercation with the sparrow Hawk. I love your narrations Robert, always so sensitively related without any dramatisation. We all loved Mr Kes and wee Jeff and were so delighted to see him stay on at Fotherdale and find a partner in his first year. Heartbreaking for you Robert as without you Jeff most likely would never have even fledged. Let’s hope Mr Kes’ genes come down through Jeff to his grandkeslets. Thank you so much 😊Robert and I look forward to further insights in the next episode. 🙏💚

[@TheLunarLegend]

You're such a good surrogate Rob. I'm so glad you help out without being too invasive.

[@susanmorris5520]

Hello. This is my first commenting on this video on Kestrels. I was reading all of the comments and the info from Robert and I was thinking that yes, Jeff the dad could have gotten nursed but however, I do believe in keep our faith and hope strong in Jeff’s return. Maybe he needed to get away for a bit but will eventually come back. He will have time to do that since the babies look still quite young. I’m sure with the help from Robert that Jenny will do a fine job and these babies will have the awesome chance to grow up and fly. God bless and I pray for Jenny and her babies to be safe and Jeff will return. Sue M. Florida,USA ❤️🙏🤞🏼🥰🦜❌⭕️

[@scottoftheroad]

I'm very much enjoying your videos, especially this one! You've inspired me to go back and reread "A Kestrel for a Knave." Terrific job capturing wildlife.

[@johnhickson]

Very sad thanks for your help robert ❤

[@fevienkayfloreta5410]

THANK YOU for your service and care to your family, good dad Jeff ... this is so sad. thank you mr. Robert for your help to the Kestrel family.

[@waikanaebeach]

You do a wonderful job for the birds, it’s great to someone caring for them….

[@sherrytitus5345]

What a wonderful story teller you are, however we know it's real. Would make a great children's book this story

[@marthalikens482]

I just love your videos! I'm from Indianapolis, Indiana.

[@roslyntchakedjian927]

Thanks Robert for all your hard work. Greetings 🇦🇺

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

So precious! It is amazing to see the early days of their life!

[@Kadek998]

Wow amazing 👍👍

[@melissamartin8266]

Oh, poor Jeff. He was such a good dad and mate. I hate to see things like this happen, but I am so glad Jenny has you to back her up and, hopefully all the chicks will continue to grow and leave the nest healthy and ready for their own lives.

[@asanablue]

Hope she is able to care for babies. 💜 Love these babys. Thank you for your video.

[@sandrarinard2323]

Awww thank you for sharing. Beautiful work ❤

[@maryfulham1522]

Thanks Mr.Fuller🖌A'gain💲! i❤These little movies!🐦💞

[@johanna11980]

RIP Jeff💔 ... I hope he enjoyed his time on Earth and his experience as a father ...

[@derekho9789]

Impressive video 😁

[@freedomfighter4990]

So sad that Jeff didn't live to see his babies fledge. Mother Nature has no favorites. Thanks Robert for taking up the slack.

[@Karammellou]

So sad to see Jeff gone, life is though but thanks God you are helping them 🙏🏼

[@lyngruen8607]

Such a beautiful story of LIFE ❤🎶🐦‍⬛🎶🐦‍⬛🎶🐦‍⬛ Thank you so MUCH, Robert, for sharing. Breaks my heart about losing Jeff 💔🐦‍⬛ Stay well and be safe 🙏 Texas Nana 🤠 Psalm 91