Kestrels Are Mostly Monogamous, Except When They're Not | Jenny & Apollo | Robert E Fuller

When I spotted Jenny the kestrel with a new male I was excited to find out his identity. The truth is a little more complicated than I expected.
Date filmed: Feb- March 2024
Watch Jenny & Apollo interact live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow her story in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Apollo & At...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
Jenny the kestrel
Jenny's first partner, Jeff, sadly died and so when I spotted her with a new male this spring I was full of hope
Identifying new male
But when I scrutinised the footage from the live cameras, I discovered a whole new angle to the story. Kestrels have unique markings that can distinguish one bird from another and this male kestrel had a dark spot on his central tail feather - similar to the markings on the tail feathers of Apollo, the male kestrel at Ash Wood
Comparing tail feathers
I found a freeze frame taken from video of Apollo at Ash Wood and held it up next to images of the kestrel spotted with Jenny. The evidence was unmistakable: Jenny's new mate is Apollo.
Apollo & Athena
Apollo is already paired up with a female, Athena, with whom he has raised three broods at Ash Wood. He's also been spotted courting her again this year in preparation for the breeding season.
Is this courtship?
And yet here he is apparently flying over to Fotherdale to also court Jenny, a single female kestrel. Of course he could just be prospecting new nest sites here, but I have known a male kestrel with two females in one season so it is possible.
Will this kestrel remain monogamous?
Apollo and Athena's relations are famously strained and for years my cameras have captured the tension as Athena regularly berates Apollo and frequently traps him in the nest.
What if Athena finds out
But these are kestrels and I doubt their behaviour is quite as clear cut. Still it’s going to be interesting to see what happens with Jenny & Apollo and if there are chicks, will Apollo be able to feed two broods?
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.
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© Robert E Fuller
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[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! To find out more see below:   More films about Jenny here: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFN9JDphnU74rEGrDFjTQjmW&si=-BubeOAJnD3fxUs7 & discover Apollo's story here: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFOZ-jHdba9bm0HrYDJyT8X8&si=lkO_e0OsWpu79uWW Watch them 24/7 on my livestream: www.robertefuller.com/live-cameras-fotherdale/ Sign up to my newsletter for weekly updates mailchi.mp/robertefuller/newslettersignup Support my work with wildlife: www.robertefuller.com/support_and_donate/  Visit my website: www.robertefuller.com Follow me on: facebook.com/RobertEFullerArt/ | twitter.com/RobertEFuller | instagram.com/robertefuller/ | Robertefuller (@robertefuller) | TikTok

[@CMK2015]

Come for the birds, stay for the bird drama

[@Silver-Claws]

Quite literally

[@mmmadame]

true 💀💀💀

[@kaiyote7924]

BIRD DRAMA!

[@eileennono5039]

If I remember correctly, Mr Thixendale wasn't able to support both females and ended up abandoning one. Hope Jenny finds an exclusive mate of her own so she doesn't have to try single parenthood again.

[@mirandamartin4001]

I think Apollo and Athena need some marriage counseling

[@Azazel-uv3sx]

The Divorce Log is NOT going to like Apollo's excuses when both of the mistresses file for divorce

[@AndorranStairway]

My my I didn’t know nature could be so scandalous 😂

[@christine8882]

Apollo on both livestreams cams with 10 kids is gonna be great 😆

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

....."if Athena finds out"....that last frame of Athena & Apollo sure sounds like she found out

[@leannepowell8709]

Hows Appollo going to find the energy to feed 2 broods 😂

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

Apollo has a mistress? He'd better watch out if Athena gets wind of his straying! 😤😳

[@keyavery]

The Drama

[@NWard1210]

Can’t wait for an update on this, thank you for sharing these gorgeous birds with us!

[@wildguy4773]

I mean Yea, Athena is really demanding, she wants good food, good nest, but she always screams at Apollo not letting him out, so probably he had enough

[@Thewhiteandorange]

it's almost like you need a good nest and good food to raise a whole hatch of kids...

[@tonioplease]

Me watching a video of kestrels: “Ohhh Athena is gonna kill her” 🤣

[@akiriith]

At risk of humanizing these birds too much, I wonder if - assuming the courtship with Jenny progresses - Apollo wouldnt just keep her as his partner. Athena really IS very demanding of him, and we have no idea if Apollo actually needs this level of stress to help around and hunt for her properly. As it is, rn I think he's just taking advantage of two available females to pass on his genes as much as he can. If he does have eggs with both tho, I wonder who he'd prioritize.

[@VivianaSilverback]

I think it'll be random. The are animals, and as you said, humanizing them is risky, so it's probably random.

[@blutigerbella1338]

I hope Apollo leaves Athena. She’s waaayyy too demanding and stressful towards him. Barely lets him near his own chicks. Find a better wife Apollo. Jenny seems nice.

[@lyngruen8607]

They are SO pretty 😍 Thank you, Robert. I love and enjoy your videos very much. Texas Nana

[@IM_Arcades]

I’m not surprised. Athena is demanding, Apollo probably had enough.

[@jeanblaaa]

Lmao

[@johna6767]

Uh oh, don't let Athena see this video!!

[@Natureinmybackyard24]

Both girls are beautiful but Jenny is a sweetheart while Athena can defend against jackdaws like a boss. I hope he doesnt attempt two broods but we will have to wait to see what happens next. Athena is starting to look broody so we will be finding out sooner then later. 🙈

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hilarious scenes!! Apollo needs to take a great decision soon!! 🙌🥰😄👍😉😃

[@sgeorgia4729]

Did any of Jeff and Jenny's youngsters stay in the area? And are there any updates on the Little Owls? Thank you, Robert!

[@louisecotulla4296]

Well, this should be interesting. Athena doesn't seem like the type to take this lightly!

[@george-1961]

With a Greek name like Athena, he’s in trouble 😆

[@anga9495]

Oh Jenny!... Poor Jeff. If he only knew.

[@jasperherr8694]

Apollo is tired of getting screamed at by his wifey all the time 😅 he is probably looking for a gentler girl

[@ericapoe]

I want to know what happens when Athena finds out😫😭😭😭

[@Senyin]

Good on Apollo for finding a girl who treats him good. 😂 Seriously though, I hope things work out.

[@susanmercurio1060]

I have been hoping for a Robert Fuller video, and here it is!

[@dizzylizzy_369]

Mr.Thixendale's alter ego...Mr.Studmuffin 😉🥰

[@judyharris6046]

Love your videos! ❤

[@TravelAndAnimals]

Amazing and fascinating as always! 🥰🥰👍

[@echoing202]

I was definitely not expecting this to happen 😂

[@violettbellerose1173]

Athena: Jenny, I'm begging of you please don't take my bird 🎵🎵

[@ElvisAaronpresleybyRustyMartin]

Intriguing thank u much 🌹

[@CrystalxKyuubi]

Apollo just being true to Greek lore

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Thank you Ref I will be looking out for the markings of kestrel more observant

[@samsavojbolagi5513]

I hope he has enough money to provide for both of his families, we don't need additional burden on our social security budget, our taxes are already high randy daddy

[@GlitzyWitch]

He couldn't take anymore of Athena's nagging and bullying so he found a sweet kestrel who would love him. Definitely need some kestrel marriage counselling 😂❤

[@JoycePrivette58]

😂😍

[@Looscannon94]

Lmao he's probably tired of dealing with Athena.

[@PumpkinHoard]

Lol, sounds like he's tired of the nagging and is scoping out other options or just looking for a "side chick."

[@Looscannon94]

@@PumpkinHoard "I cant do another season with her... I just can't do it" lol

[@sgeorgia4729]

Athena does appear to be very difficult and demanding. Can't really blame him for looking elsewhere.

[@nuncaolvidare4895]

Wow, 😂too funny 😆

[@KLegyyn]

Was not expecting bird drama. . I'm all for it. . .

[@Nature.villag]

Beautiful ❤❤

[@squishymusic9723]

Wow! I can't blame him 😂 Athena is a good mother, but not a good partner 😅

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada thanks for sharing this video are these birds comfortable with your presence 😮

[@letolethe3344]

Well, as paid models, Robert always has them sign a release and photo distribution authorization forms.

[@sherriforeman8953]

I volunteered at a wildlife rescue for a while. There was a permanent kestrel resident there named Bob. He wasn't friendly even tho he had been there for quite a while. He was an inside bird as opposed to being in an outside cage. His cage was in what was called the " bird room " where there were young small birds being rehabed & baby birds. I would go in to see him & say " hi ". The males are a really pretty bird. I think about Bob often ... 😉

[@joniharris9296]

Oh my 🤣

[@vulro2307]

Wow kestrels like these are amazing! my generation do falconary we catch these little guys in the desert for kids if a kid wants to be a falconer we give them a kestrel so they can train when they get big they get a falcon or a hawk

[@fsh57]

beautiful 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@susanfantozzi4415]

Interesting!

[@spooneater9001]

Maury-esque family drama with children involved. Robert: "I look forward to watching this story unfold."

[@RobertEFuller]

Made me chuckle!

[@rina123456]

We have out very own Cornation Street unfolding, I see!!

[@edgarortiz6553]

Oh my!

[@fingerprint5511]

All that matters is the Kestrels never go on the endangered list. If anything, Apollo will be very busy bringing food to two nests.

[@bhouchins05]

At the end of the clip when Apollo and Athena are just standing on the branch together and Athena is just chirping away and its like: Athena: Chirp, Chirp, Chiiiirrrrppp,CHIRP!!! Apollo: What is she griping about now? Maybe I will say something and it will shut her up...Chirp, Chirp, Chirp. Athena: Chirp, chiiiiirp, CHIRP!, chirp Apollo: OMG!! (Apollo turns his head around to look behind him) Ugh, I dont have to deal with this over with Jenny at Fotherdale

[@Nerathul1]

*adds owl rendition of 'it wasn't me'*

[@cattalac3047]

All kestrels are mainly kestrels except when they're dogs!! Get him, Athena!

[@michaelmalik4416]

Real Housewives of Fotherdale. What has the world come to?

[@carlocinthi1267]

Hi Robert, may I know what camera you use to observe the subjects inside the nest? thanks and congratulations

[@dixsigns1717]

OMGoodnes a 2 timing bird... LOL

[@francoisebeylie2923]

Interesting.

[@tanyadiedrich7851]

❤❤❤❤

[@klblax00]

hell ya brother

[@t.vikramvikram7630]

Wow bro

[@rose13red]

This is why Athena yells at him, because he deserves it 😂

[@elisakozlow_]

I think Apollo had enough, so he decided to fool around.

[@radbabs2000]

Appolo is a lothario. Cheeky.

[@user-tk4px4fe9m]

Οου ποσο σαγαπω που βλεπω τα πουλια.κιρος❤❤❤😊

[@angelserenade]

I hope Apollo is just there to scout for nests. If Athena finds out, she'll never stop giving Apollo a piece of her mind 😂 Also, I hope some males from Mrs. Kes' brood can come visit and be Jenny's new mate.

[@almightykellus2585]

Robert uploaded about an hour ago a video of Jenny mating with a ringed kestrel, so there is a possibility of that being the case.

[@lindaclough9234]

If it’s the same bird he’ll be busy bird!!!!

[@kelsey1805]

Apollo, you scoundrel. 🙃

[@UNOMations]

Mormon Birb

[@michaelmendillo7513]

Apollo is a busy man !!! And takes care of his girls !!! But he may be in trouble ! 😂✌️✝️💕😇🙏

[@wastingsanity]

Apollo might be tired of a mate that complains all the time. So now he is probably going to stay with Jenny as long as she doesn't turn out to be the same.

[@lindaclough9234]

Is that bird tagged?

[@Astronurd]

Yep If I was Apollo I would also choose Jenny over Athena. Athena has a screw loose and is just too nutty and demanding.

[@mikemike898]

Same with philippine eagles MONOGAMOUS try to check Mr.fuller about the philippine eagle as know as HARIBON❤ God Bless Us🙏

[@minhtetaung5543]

Apollo has had enough of Athena, and two timing now

[@SibylleLeon]

A polyamorous kestrel! Go Apollo 😁❤

[@TumainiKigelia21]

I'd wonder if Apollo will stay with Jenny forever instead of athena.

[@mirandamartin4001]

Probably not, he will probably stay with Athena.

[@TumainiKigelia21]

@@mirandamartin4001 but in the inside he is sick of her nagging, berating, screaming, and hollering.

[@baddnurse5443]

@@TumainiKigelia21They are birds , not people and have raised 3 successful broods in Ashwood already, it works for them

[@TumainiKigelia21]

@@baddnurse5443 okay

[@dewbow134]

@@baddnurse5443 Exactly!

[@BenModica]

Maybe I'm out of the loop but I thought Apollo had a fatal disease last year? It looks like he wound up being okay?

[@johna6767]

Yes, looks like it was a false alarm.

[@CyrynDragoon]

Good for Apollo... I hope Jenny is kinder to him than Athena ever was... And I honestly am rooting for Jenny and Apollo.

[@grandthanatos]

Given that males help with incubation and feeding chicks, Apollo will have his work cut out for him if he has clutches with two different mates.

[@rc-daily]

If either female finds out he's in big trouble

[@atimidbirb]

I'm guessing Apollo is wayy too done with being yelled at all the time

[@casperlory]

A kestrel soap opera. 😅

[@Stefanie19287]

I don't know if Apollo is strong enough for three women. Athena counts double, she has a strong character. 😂💪 I hope it stays with "Apollo and Athena". They make a great couple. But maybe I'm biased, I love Athena. 😄❤️

[@imtiyazalam1761]

Hello

[@Alice-the-Bibi]

Bird drama

[@letolethe3344]

That's some soap opera you've got going on there, Robert!

[@Gun5hip]

Birb drama

[@jimflagg4009]

Love triangle.

[@juliesong4123]

Weren't Apollo and Jeff related?

[@mirandamartin4001]

No. He’s Mr. Kes’s offspring

[@AnnaMarianne]

Dryer is related to Finn.

[@Borninthe80s.]

@@AnnaMariannehe’s not they weren’t from the same clutch

[@thepaperpuppeter]

I my goodness Apollo has to female what if Athena broken up with Apollo

[@jennybrowning5182]

Drama!!

[@dand1585]

Probably got tired of chasing jackdaws all day long because Athena wouldn’t move nests. Hopefully the resulting chicks don’t suffer!

[@AC-ni4gt]

I think Jenny deserves a decent partner.

[@arachne5656]

Let's be honest, Athena deserved it for how toxic she was to Apollo, despite all his efforts!

[@ohno8398]

Apollo, more like Apoly

[@Mimivomi]

Im surprised... youd think dealing with athena was enough...

[@danbernstein4694]

My wife doesn't understand me...

[@richardvaldes3959]

Except when they are not lol