Kestrels Become Perfect Team in Face of Adversity | Full Story | Apollo & Athena | Robert E Fuller

Date Filmed: 2022
Kestrels Apollo & Athena become the perfect parenting team as they overcome a series of challenges to raise five chicks.
Watch kestrels Apollo & Athena interact live on my nest cam: ASHWOOD: • Live From Ash Wood | R... ] and follow their story in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Apollo & At...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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After a rocky first year, in which this kestrel couple's relationship was clearly strained, the male Apollo now knows just how to appease his older, more dominant mate, Athena. Watch him shower her in gifts as their courtship develops.
Kestrel courtship
Kestrel courtship rituals begin with the male securing a site and 'presenting' it to the female for her approval. But when Apollo chooses Ash Hollow, the nest box I built especially for this couple in Ash Wood, he finds he has to fight off competitors, including jackdaws, a buzzard, and once even a stoat!
Egg laying
On April 1st Athena lays her first egg and then lays a further five - producing one roughly every two days.
Relationship strain
But the strain of egg-laying means Athena occasionally lashes out. Watch poor Apollo climb the walls to get out of her way.
Nest attacks
But the couple learn to come together when jackdaws attack. Watch them fight as a team to see them off.
Chicks hatch
35 days after it was laid, the first chick hatches. It’s covered in white downy feathers and it’s eyes are closed. Then, four hours later, the second emerges and Apollo arrives to inspect his new offspring.
First days
The two older chicks eyes are already open at less than 12 hours old, the 5th hatches the next day but it is a full two days before the sixth and final chick hatches.
Apollo hunts
Apollo must now work hard to feed his family. But the drought means there is little food about and Athena steps in to help.
Chicks hungry
It soon becomes clear that food is scarce and when Athena returns from hunting episodes with just a few worms I grow worried.
Youngest chick dies
The youngest chick is a lot smaller than the others …and eventually I decide to intervene but I cannot save it.
Chicks grow independent
The remaining chicks grow increasingly competitive and mealtimes become ferocious as they fight over food. Often there is a tug-of-war.
Ringing
Before their first flights, Jean Thorpe of Ryedale Rehabilitation, a licenced British Trust for Ornithology bird ringer, places ID rings, or tags, on their legs. This will ensure these birds can be identified if they're found in the future.
Weights
The kestrels are also weighed and their weights, 270g, 225g, 300g, 255g, 260g and a little one at 215g, are recorded.
Fledge
At 33 days old the first chick fledges the nest, followed one by one and over the course of two days by all four of its siblings.
First month
They remain close to the nest for another month where Apollo & Athena continue to feel them.
New generation
I too help this incredible kestrel family out by leaving food. It's amazing to see a new generation of kestrels thrive.
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 (VIDEOS OVER 5 MINUTES)
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00:00 Courtship
05:42 Egg laying
09:40 Incubation
13:56 Hatching
14:40 First Feed
18:15 Young Chick Rehab
20:15 Five Remaining Chicks
22:08 Ringing
28:15 Chicks To Entrance
29:28 Fledging
32:14 Out In The Wild
32:53 Summary
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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 #SPECIESHASHTAG #PLAYLISTNAME [where relevant]

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more Apollo & Athena films: bit.ly/3pZ9i5s See them 24/7 on my livestream: bit.ly/3q0xpk4 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

[@duchesssterling5655]

I would be interested in seeing the jackdaws nesting process. Hope you can get one some day

[@dta151]

Me too

[@cherylavila954]

Me too!. Awesome. I am old enough that I was raised on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom..but this is just sooooo much better!. Thanks Mr Fuller! Awesome

[@steveshoemaker6347]

AMAZING......Thanks so much 👍 Shoe🇺🇸

[@puppylove3344]

I love how you intervene and save the weak ones! God bless you!! ❤❤

[@Puailima]

I love how some early moments Athena’s just screaming at him and Apollo’s like what do you want me to do😂

[@naheleshiriki5496]

Yeah like when she was about to lay an egg, but chose to block the exit instead of letting Apollo leave

[@BirdWorldtv8795]

love

[@arcan762]

athena such a karen lol

[@LegendaryFoodItem]

@@naheleshiriki5496she knew he needed to get it together 😂😂😂😂

[@NordicKitt]

My thoughts exactly 🤣🤣🤣

[@emory5533]

"GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT" "IM TRYING BUT YOU'RE BLOCKING THE EXIT"

[@calvine295]

I know. Apollo's like: "Well, get in here already, ya crazy bitch."

[@UmbreonLuv1]

I love these full story episodes! Though, I wish there was a KZbin playlist for all of the bird's full stories

[@heatherconklin6798]

Same!!

[@jmfong76]

Yeah, me too. I always search the list for the longer videos.

[@Sr_Gabriel20]

What about sea animals?

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes we do have a full stories playlist. See here: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFMbQtrCir82Tad7c93v1lXA

[@RobertEFuller]

@@jmfong76 Here's the playlist for the longer ones: kzbin.info/aero/PLx09JDaWUEFMbQtrCir82Tad7c93v1lXA

[@JJboyCoffeeAddict]

Kestrels are such beautiful birds, it’s a great privilege to get to see into their lives. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort Robert. You have truly blessed us all 🙏

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Indeed.🙂👍🏾

[@KL53986]

Smallest Falcons and also nice ones, they are doing great job at limiting Starling population

[@alinagareeva1147]

Apollo just can't catch a break with Athena 😄 "Leave the nest! Leave the nest right now! WDYM THERE IS NO OTHER DOOR??? I"M NOT MOVING, LEAVE!!!" "I don't want food" "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN I WANT FOOD"

[@maggiesfarm7970]

I grew up with my mother re-habbing wild birds. She bred pet birds, as well. I learned to rehab from her and saved several wild birds over the years. I'm an old lady, now and just love these wonderful video's!

[@KL53986]

Athena sure is strict parthner but shes ultimately well meaning parent and Apollo is trying to be good dad

[@Lonesome__Dove]

I love it when they're all puffed up defending their eggs.

[@alexcheshire8845]

Athena, you sassy momma. He can't get out if you block the exit 😂

[@rina123456]

Athena and Apollo's relationship remind me of my grandparents 😅

[@Larisa_Baya_Momo]

I have always loved birds. Ever since I rescued a Sparrow and raised it. These live videos are beautiful.

[@Lonesome__Dove]

There seems to be a new editing style (let me just say elements) here. And i LOVE IT! and the added drone shots are flipping fabulous. It really adds an immersive element to the story. Like I am the kestrel. Its beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. This is the way.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks so much!!

[@Onyx_Odyssey2004]

I love how Athena never goes easy on Apollo and screams at him

[@korppituoni]

When she trapped him the nest and started yelling at him I thought I was accidentally watching their first year video because she did the same thing in that one. Lol, poor guy,

[@jaydiarie]

@@korppituoni She hasnt changed 😂

[@RobertEFuller]

She is full of attitude for sure

[@chrisbgifford7387]

Kestrals are some of the most beautiful birds of prey.

[@anitavincent7447]

Your videos are absolutely amazing, they give me a sense of peace and wellbeing in this chaotic world. You are definitely a hero to all animals including us humans. 🙏🏻🥰

[@user-lt8xt8wg9m]

Apollo and Athena are wonderful parents, so lovely to watch. Barbara ❤

[@flyingfree7]

They are such beautiful little babies..fly safely and good hunting...❤🙏

[@tobiashomann1077]

In an era of mindless entertainment, TikTok-challenges and whatnot, your films are heartwarming, full of love for the wildlife around us all and they provide a welcome moment of respite on a stressful day. Thank you so much for your work!

[@genus-sialia]

athena, apollo, and their nosy neighbors! it's a good thing these two are so watchful, they certainly know what they're doing!

[@vivianefrancart5065]

THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL FILM, Mr FULLER. THE KESTRELS ALWAYS HAVE A GREAT FAMILY AND THAT IS SO BEAUTIFUL, FULL OF LIFE AND A LOT OF NOISE, THAT THE PARENTS MUST WORK HARD AND THEY DO, WITH THE HELP OF YOU THEY ARE VERY HAPPY I THINK. THANK YOU FOR HELPING . YOU ARE A GREAT MAN, AND THAT IS WHAT THE BIRDS TELL TO, BUT IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE.👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏🌿🌹🌱

[@umikalthumabdulmajid5406]

I'm often surprised at how petite these kestrels r. Guess it's because their feistiness seem to 'enlarge' their image, if u don't hav s'thing to compare them with, like wen d lady held them during d ringing. 😅

[@lilbitsleepy2574]

How lucky we are to be able to watch these beautiful feathered families!

[@hadassah2998]

I loved this beautiful nature video! thank you for all your work. Amazing footage for all bird watchers out there. Apollo and Athena were busy making their babies and as well as raising them! awesome bird parents! The love of a Mom and Dad extends boundaries. And its jungle out there even for the animal kingdom. Well done Mr. Fuller ,the narration helps too. I believe children and adults will like this video.

[@francopillaca5937]

Man, i love apollo so much.

[@susanleezer182]

Thank you Robert. What great parents the chicks have. You captured every great moment 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lyngruen8607]

Seems we ALL HAVE CHALLENGES in life that we need to PERSEVERE AND PUSH THRU!! 🦉🎶🐦💖 Thank you Robert for such wonderful stories of life. Such beautiful scenery. I really enjoy YOUR TRAVELS 😊 Stay well and be safe 🙏 ❤️ Texas Nana 🤠 Psalm 91

[@Nina_Sophia]

I love these birds. Absolutely gorgeous and one of my faves.

[@marysaltlife1427]

Thank you for the spectacular filming. Also, your voice is very soothing and comforting. Thanks, and GOD bless you for sharing.

[@redwoods7370]

She’s a great mom.

[@wildguy4773]

I never saw buzzard that sized I only saw them flying or standing far in trees or pillars. Great catch!

[@susiemcvey672]

One Spring I was privileged to watch Redtail Hawks raise a brood in a nest on an electricity’s pole outside the second floor of our county Library 🎉 it was fascinating ‼️‼️‼️

[@patrickhiggins3582]

kestrel s are so sweet. they have a soul

[@careypierce8131]

Another amazing story and video. Your talent and caring is simply unrivaled.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davehoward22]

Thumbnails a great picture

[@nikobellic570]

Yep. Great thumbnail. It's the reason I stopped by!

[@peregrinepete]

Good on you Rob ❤

[@EmmaDee]

These are 100% my favorite. It’s like story time for sure!!!

[@jaydiarie]

Athena always makes me laugh. So sassy!

[@FairDrogon]

Apollo is my favorite. One of his stories led me to your channel. ❤

[@Pesto_O]

was it the one where he smacked his kid with a rat lol

[@FairDrogon]

@@Pesto_O It was during his first time courting Athena and when she wasn't impressed with the worm food he was bringing her lol

[@Pesto_O]

@@FairDrogon she was like what a loser no wait i like him and now theyve had multiple babies that look like the dust bunnies under my sofa

[@melissamcclain34]

I absolutely *LOVE* your longer videos. Always make my day to run across your amazing channel

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@TheStickCollector]

Nice to see. Came here originally for kestrals so good

[@RobertEFuller]

Enjoy 😊

[@Lexusgx550]

Glad all have made it. 6th chick rip. Thanks Robert

[@elliedaniels2245]

Athena is hilariously bossy.

[@FatherManus]

This is better nature content then anything you would see on animal planet nowadays.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you liked it I wish we had there budgets to work with 😆

[@trendbypower]

Thank you s9 much for entertaining me. A hour ago I just saw my own bird. Eggs I’m putting in the incubator.

[@AceManning18]

A 30 minute video on Roberts channel about the Kestrels?! Count me in! What a great way to start my day 😊 Edit - man watching Athena yelling at Apollo to go hunt while simultaneously blocking him from doing so all I can think is "sheesh these Kestrel women are hard to please! 😂"

[@DayneDaKid]

This is not the first time its happened to him either. The first time Apollo and Athena became a couple kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2SchquLh76gec0 5:50

[@mememe733]

Well, obviously she had to give him an earful and very specific instructions before she could allow him to run off. That unwanted field mouse was a clear sign that he’s not paying close enough attention to her! 😂

[@MariaDiaz-ce8hl]

Lindos 😊 preciosos 💖 su canto son maravillosos 👏 😊😊❤❤❤❤❤

[@judyharris6046]

Truly enjoy your videos. Takes me back to old family time back in the 1960s, when we would all gather around together as a family, and we would all watch the program, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom! Thank you for bringing back great and treasured memories!❤

[@Sam-tg4ii]

7:19 to 7:22. These 3 seconds are as wholesome as a whole lifetime

[@anitaroberts8729]

A beautiful family! 💜💛💚

[@pamsmith519]

It's really lovely to watch these wonderful birds looking for a home and it has to suite the lady just like humans

[@srail9828]

your videos are my favorite works of art to watch while I wake n' bake

[@jocelynaccetta6853]

Thank you for the Kestrels, Athena & Apollo 💕

[@harrietking8768]

Robert, that was absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful and brilliant work. Harriet (Tasmania) x

[@ElisabethMaassen]

This is fantastic. THANK YOU SO MUCH !

[@charlesblackburn8482]

Really enjoyed these beautiful birds! Thank You!

[@ingridruiz-meijer6089]

Thank you for posting this nature beauty ❤❤❤

[@jimmyb6301]

brilliant film as always, thank you!

[@jyotsnarana5318]

Sooooooo sweet.

[@AliceLee-rj2ew]

Love the story. Great work!!

[@bonniehinshaw3131]

Totally enjoyed watching this.

[@ericastier1646]

such a wonderful social interaction by the Kestrel couple and family.

[@YukaNakata-si1cj]

Just amazing💕 Thank you for your hard work to protect beautiful birds 🦉🦅🐣💝

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

These longer videos are wonderful. Great to watch, playing in the background, used for sleeping (the soft sounds), and to learn.

[@shawnpeterson2523]

The wing feathers of the parents are beautiful. They’re also quite different making it easy to identify them. Very cool.

[@renatefeller5208]

Danke💖

[@markprovan4332]

Watching these videos are so relaxing, bottle of wine, snacks and a good chair... damm life is good...

[@revo2maxx]

Thank you for a wonderful Video. Sad to see the smallest one pass, but glad the others made it. Thank you for all you do and how you make these wonderful videos of your Wildlife.

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Amazing video I really enjoyed watching this one. Apollo & Athena worked very well. Hope the kestrels are doing well.

[@priscillawatson7049]

thanks for sharing! enchanting, challenging almost parallel universe

[@bobspeltbackwards2195]

There are just not enough words to describe the quality of this documentary and how well it was presented!! As I am not very intelligent and have almost zero use of the English language, I just hope I'm able to convey my deepest admiration for such a well done high quality documentary!! As I am almost inept at trying to describe what > I < see in this documentary, I only hope that I do not ruin it for others by not being able to describe such a well done program!!! PLEASE, for any who come to watch this and they are one of those who read about it first to see if it's worth their time or not, please don't let my inability to use the vocabulary very well put you off!! This is truly one one the very best I have ever seen or even heard about, for that matter!! This man is multi-talented in his photographic skills and his understanding of the creatures he is witnessing as well!! All that's left for me now is to apologize for my lack of writing skills and my emergency over my in ability to even come close to describing what all I was made fortunate enough to see because of this man's wonderful skills that sets him apart from the rest and puts him right up front there where he should be seen!! EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT work Mr Fuller!!! Thank you for caring and sharing!!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much.

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Amazing video, Robert!! Thank you for your efforts and to bring us these special moments!!! 🙌👍🤩👏🙏😃

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you for watching.

[@ElizabethBryant-ui2dl]

Outstanding, I learn new facts about birds with each view of your videos. Many thanks !

[@juliebollman3944]

Thank you, great work 😊

[@ericastier1646]

You can tell the real love and caring for nature, it's wonderful and i wish a larger % of human population was like this.

[@tonioplease]

Man Athena is a firecracker lmao. Just screaming at him and won’t move, doesn’t want food then yells at him telling him to get her food NOW

[@ztmj1996]

Absolutely amazing, thanks for capturing these moments and for your work in their conservation.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lesleyhoban6559]

Tu for sharing your world with us

[@ingridruiz-meijer6089]

Thanks for sharing this video ❤❤❤❤

[@drbu]

such a very interesting, informative and educational movie. Very great. Thank you Robert E Fuller for this excellent video.

[@perpoulsen665]

Just amazing to see ! - and I can´t wait to see my "own" kestrels here on my small country house in Denmark. Last year I made a hole in my gable and made a nest just inside - and now 2 kestrels have decided to live there 😍 I have installed a camera and can´t stop watcing them! 😃

[@Ssshorshi]

Beautifull just beautifull❤❤❤

[@questlove_satx]

just lovely

[@user-dk5vj2br1o]

Haha one of my crows is name is Apollo!!cleo n Paco!!😂 my 3 crows im tryin to establish a serious relationship with so i can get gifts!😂😮

[@EllieHavanese]

I love this

[@juicyhidef4672]

love these long videos

[@akamomakawife4928]

I am sorry Thank you as well Jean for your work as well I adore you to love ❤❤❤ Thank you for your love you give .

[@manibeyk2986]

Good luck Man 👍👍👍

[@H.O.P.E.1122]

Kestrels are beautiful. Learned by this video that they have large broods. Good thing!

[@shoes123uk8]

Wonderful video ❤

[@user-hx9sw8jc1q]

Georgeous

[@bonniesheplar5130]

Another awesome video. ❤

[@TheCountofToulouse]

It's nice to see that human men aren't the only ones that have to endure the MOUTH even when they're trying to help.

[@AcyGonz20711]

Wow... great story, its beautiful birds.

[@aytenozaydn7568]

Paylaşım icin teşekkürler kayda değer bir video olmuş 👏👏👏

[@pbezunartea]

Amazing video!

[@selimiye22]

çok emek verilmiş,mükemmel bir belgesel,harika bir video,görüntüler ancak bu kadar güzel zumlanabilirdi,insan kendini adeta,kerkenezlerin yanında hissettiriyor...çok bilgilendirici👍👍👍👍👍teşekkürler Robert ❤❤❤

[@312countrygirl]

That was nice to see Gods Rainbow. I live in Southern California and I saw one also. Thank you for doing longer videos. I really like these much better! The Full Story!😀

[@rainyrainygoaway]

I love your voice & narration so much. Amazing work you do & definitely supporting your channel from Singapore. You enlightened me of the nature’s beauty. Really enjoy & appreciate your full videos.

[@akamomakawife4928]

I adore your work Thank you so very much ❤❤❤❤❤❤ really Thank you for all the love you give I really enjoy your videos I can not tell you or say it enough Thank you..

[@RobertEFuller]

You are so welcome