Kestrels Face Tough Decisions To Ensure Chicks Survive | Athena & Apollo | Robert E Fuller

Kestrels, Apollo and Athena, are caring for five tiny hatchlings. It’s been a cold and dry spring at Ash Wood, so prey items are in short supply and the kestrels face their biggest challenge yet... to ensure the survival of their brood!
Watch Apollo & Athena interact live on my nest cam: • 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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The roles of the parents
It’s the role of the male kestrel, Apollo, to hunt and bring in food, while the chicks are so young. Athena, the female’s role is to brood the chicks, carefully feed them and defend the nest from intruders, such as a barn owl and interfering jackdaws.
Sad news
But, despite their best efforts the youngest chick dies of hunger. It’s heart breaking to watch. Athena decides to join Apollo in the search for food and she tries to balance the need to keep the chicks both warm and well fed. It’s a tough decision to have to make. The chicks could easily die if they get cold too.
Rodents are in short supply
Small birds such as sparrows and blue tits are brought in and fed to the kestrel chicks, it’s quite unusual as their favourite food is rodents. It’s clear that these must be in short supply this year.
Tragedy strikes again
The parents are away for such long periods, the chicks are getting cold and don’t look well. Tragedy strikes again when a second chick seems to be struggling.
I intervene
I am not willing to let another chick die without a fight, so I head up to Ash Wood to see if I can help. But sadly, the second chick just doesn’t make it.
Now only 3 chicks remain
Apollo & Athena now have fewer mouths to feed, and I am able to lend a helping hand, by putting food into the nest. Soon, the chicks are looking healthy again.
It's been a tough year
Apollo & Athena have worked so hard, facing their biggest challenge yet. They’ve had to make difficult decisions, balancing the need to keep the chicks either warm or fed. But thanks to their determination, and with a little help from me, these 3 chicks have survived and they’re well on their way to becoming strong young kestrels.
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
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© Robert E Fuller
Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to re-upload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [e-mail]
#robertefuller #kestrel #falcon #wildlives #apolloandathena

[@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

[@baddnurse5443]

Beautiful film , “Every Tragedy contains the seeds of triumph “ fitting quote for this beautiful kestrel family ❤️

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks baddnurse glad you liked this one despite the sadness All is good in the next film 😉

[@eagles_s]

Birb

[@nyoladodds781]

Dying birb

[@husemeerbolat3861]

YERLERİN VE GÖKLERİN VE HERŞEYİN SAHİBİ YÜCE ALLAH CC ALLATAN BAŞKA İLAH YOKTUR ALLAH KATINDA HAK DİN İSLAMDIR MUHAMMED ALAHIN PEYGAMBERİDİR GÜZEL İNSAN HUZUR ARIYORSAN HUZUR İSLAMDA GÜZEL İNSAN MÜSLÜMAN OLMADAN CENNETE GİREMESSİN

[@rosbelyshernandez6907]

@@husemeerbolat3861 siaio lindo verdad que son bonitos

[@OpinionatedChicken59]

When that barn owl showed up Athena all like "Does this look like a barn to you?!"

[@bradleythompson-ford6124]

You are doing a great job helping those young kestrels and all the other wildlife you help, its sad to see the two chicks die but at least you tried your best to try and help them out. One day I hope to be like you, and help and my local wildlife.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@gennadicole7102]

That was sweet ♥️

[@lesleyb26]

Must be so heartbreaking to watch and know that it's simply how nature works.

[@RobertEFuller]

It's a tough life for our wildlife, I'm just glad I can give some of them a helping hand

[@lesleyb26]

So glad you help and share your knowledge on how to help our wonderful little critters 👍

[@suppeccnole6787]

@@RobertEFuller i absolutely love that you help them. I’m so used to nature documentaries that don’t interfere when animals starve or die that I get emotional just seeing you giving them food haha

[@simonrano8072]

and we don't get to see the mouslaughter that happens around the clock. I guess that perspective would pretty sad as well ;)

[@lesleyb26]

It's the way nature works and I have to say that watching REF's channel has really helped me understand the simple truth that animals have to eat. The previous me would be in floods of tears watching the small critters get got but new found insights has helped, us humans are a complicated lot 🤷‍♀️

[@cizzelthatoneguy]

R.I.P. bird. He was a great soldier. He fought for a long time. He deserves a Medal of Honour

[@nenala7684]

FEEDING IT TO THE FAMILY OMG! birds are truly dinosaurs

[@GyanPrakash]

Kestrels look so cute❤🤗

[@ozzie6447]

i feel bad for the poor little Kestrels that perished, but at least the rest will grow up well

[@K11227]

Don’t stop when you’re tired, Stop when you’re done. -David goggins quote

[@ageorgiapeach9442]

What a wonderful, caring person you are. God loves your kindness.

[@Sherlock245]

God bless your soul

[@seigedrakonera5689]

I'm normally not one for encouraging interference with wild animals but in this day an age animals can use all the help they can with how things are going in the world now a days. But you're also obviously no random guy with a camera. Thanks for what you do, I love your videos they are so well made, it's quite the passion project.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks kestrels are decline in numbers so I do what I can to help them

[@spiritthesnowyowl8948]

Mad props to you, you most definitely saved the lives of these chicks

[@RobertEFuller]

Wish I could have done a bit more but it tricky when they are small as I don’t want to make things worse by going to the nest

[@-iceraptor-]

@@RobertEFuller maybe you could sneak food in when they are out. Like when both parents were gone for a bit. You prob could've gotten a feeder rat or something, or maybe even some of the food u gave them in there. Amd it's possible the mom would have utilized it. Just an idea for future reference. But tbh idk nothing of what u do about birds or caring for them, so like I said really just a thought..

[@-iceraptor-]

Hell of a job on the editing. Great vid, I subbed your channel bcz Im excited to see the rest of their journey.

[@husemeerbolat3861]

YERLERİN VE GÖKLERİN VE HERŞEYİN SAHİBİ YÜCE ALLAH CC ALLATAN BAŞKA İLAH YOKTUR ALLAH KATINDA HAK DİN İSLAMDIR MUHAMMED ALAHIN PEYGAMBERİDİR GÜZEL İNSAN HUZUR ARIYORSAN HUZUR İSLAMDA GÜZEL İNSAN MÜSLÜMAN OLMADAN CENNETE GİREMESSİN

[@cfowler7936]

Like a giant pulling one side of your home open and offering a roast dinner. 😁 Glad they are being well looked after by their parents and Robert

[@RobertEFuller]

They wouldn’t have taken food off me if I did that normally ! they were very hungry

[@Stefanie19287]

My goodness, their story... I get all emotional every time I see your videos. Apollo and Athena really give their all for their offspring, they are such amazing parents. Thank you for your help ❤️

[@RobertEFuller]

The next instalment has no sad bits in we follow them to fledging

[@sar983]

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@typhondio0000]

Just got done watching the other video. As soon as I look for the next one it’s 4 minutes after release. Best moment of my day.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kat78681]

I'm still smiling, but with a hint of sadness. Amazing how clueless Apollo is about simple act of feeding.

[@RobertEFuller]

I know males just don’t have the skills

[@torstimyle1355]

Nurturing is a females natural role, males is provisioning so it's nothing new but nature at best

[@bellona6356]

@@torstimyle1355 lol, are you trying to applying this bs to humans too? Sounds like it.

[@Noah-uo8zb]

​@@bellona6356 I hope it's not the case 😂 that'd be stupid, because not only does it not really apply to humans, it's different from species to species AND from individuals to individuals. It's striking how sometimes individuals of a species expected to have the "instinct" for something just...don't have it, which leads to danger for their offspring since their parent isn't the nurturing type.

[@CrescentUmbreon]

Lil guy just needs some lessons haha

[@LucasBriggs808]

It's amazing to see how the chicks are willing to take food from something that isn't their parents

[@RobertEFuller]

They were starving so were happy to accept the food.

[@kellirandoja]

Athena and Apollo: Here's the food children, its not much but its all we have. Baby kestrels: We already ate! Athena and Apollo: What do you mean? Baby kestrels: Theres a human in the tree that gives us food sometimes! Athena and Apollo: *visible confusion* All in all, good job helping the birds! It was heartbreaking to see two die, but such is the life in nature.

[@rajolhadidi4417]

Kestrel is such beautiful bird

[@RobertEFuller]

They are often over looked but up close their stunning 🤩

[@katarina1852]

They grow into such beautiful birds.

[@FIy019]

Good job Apolo, good job Athena

[@RobertEFuller]

We Just are just finishing the final Instalment should be out tomorrow

[@kellypumpkin9130]

You did a great job and at least that little guy passed warm and comforted.

[@TheLoneGamr]

Really cute how these little birds of prey sound like baby songbirds when they are young.

[@karennapack8799]

Thank you so very much for posting, so beautiful and touching. Karen from California

[@RobertEFuller]

Next instalment coming out tomorrow 😃

[@grace902]

It’s great to see that the baby kestrels are doing good! After the 2 chicks died, I thought the rest might not make it. I’m excited to see what happens next with these little guys!

[@RobertEFuller]

No more sad bit but magical watching them grow and fledging

[@grace902]

@@RobertEFuller can’t wait to see them in the next video 😊

[@jennyc1164]

I think they only did survive through Robert’s careful and timely intervention.

[@randomworld4662]

Wow what a good family story really I will watch 2 hours of this family story amazing work

[@RobertEFuller]

the next video of the chicks fledging will be out later this week.

[@misbpdclddugjy9041]

Your film of Kestrel pair and five chicks brought tears in my eyes several times but it is mother nature...I found it better than a two hour Hollywood or Bollywood movies....your hard work and love for the animals is fantastic...GBU!

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed the kestrels film 😊

[@misbpdclddugjy9041]

@@RobertEFuller Thanks for your kind response in very early morning. I wish I could lead my life like yours for the animal world..GBU.

[@BiigTitties]

Awe yes the comforting music as you are being fed you're sibling warms my heart. Seriously OP is clepped

[@malgorzatagawenda6661]

Thank you for saving these chiks

[@GCRahro]

I liked how the father tried to feed the chicks

[@readytogo6569]

You’re compassion and care brought tears to my eyes. You are truly the embodiment of “Human Kindness “. Thank you, Robert ❣️

[@RobertEFuller]

Ah thank you that’s kind

[@liamsmith2340]

That's what a good person does with the Heart on the right place💯👌🏻

[@yogsenforfoth5948]

Way to go, Robert. You are doing work that is more valuable than most people will give the time to acknowledge. Thank you for doing what you do, sir.

[@ironwolf5802]

It's amazing they had 5 chick's and thanks to your help 3 made it. At least you were able to help at all.

[@N.Sardone]

I am absolutely terrified of birds. I don’t know why. Or what happened to make me fear them. But, I do think that they are beautiful critters. And you do a great job with telling their stories. Thank you!!

[@judyperry861]

Apollo and Athena did give their all, they are great parents. Thank you much for all that you did and do for all the animals. You and your team are simply the best x

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you We always try do our best for wildlife Kestrels are in decline across the UK so it important to do what we can for them

[@TheRealMimiD]

This made me think ALL should be required to start watching wildlife videos like this a little more before having babies! Touching and heartbreaking at the same time. I'm in tears 🤍🤍🤍 thank you for your help with the wildlife . you're an amazing person. 🌞Blessings to you!

[@corbinw6922]

So if we have twins and one dies malnourished we can learn to feed the other the dead twin too ensure it’s survival? Not quite sure what parenting skills can be developed from watching birds. Human babies and baby birds are legit 1000% different, just sayin.

[@kitkat5596]

So so soooo glad you stepped in to help, its fine to let nature be nature in all its ups and downs. But giving a helping hand to it some times is also the greatest decision of all.

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes 👍humans are responsible for wildlife declines so they should be responsible for helping out as well

[@-iceraptor-]

Also knowing when the right time to do it is crucial. Good job 👍

[@gp123lIlI]

Why. If there isnt enough food for 5 chicks and he saves them, then they will each grow up and have babies and wont be able to feed their babies. So then down the line 8 babies will die instead of just 2. Intervening is stupid.

[@IncredibleLyrics]

@@gp123lIlI I disagree humans are a part of nature as well why shouldnt we try to help?

[@DragonbornCanid]

how sad to see two babies died! :c im grateful you at least were able to try to save one. And also that you helped these parents out a bit! So glad to see three made it at least :) cant wait for more!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 Next instalment coming soon 😃

[@georgesandino2750]

Wonderful human friend they have👍

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@Lorgayle1]

I just love how you care for these kestrels!

[@ravenking803]

God bless you, Robert....you bring tears to my eyes..xoxox

[@RobertEFuller]

The next film might bring a few smiles too 😃

[@simplycurlyde]

God Bless you @Robert E Fuller. The chicks didn't seem to be fearful of you & were even taken food from your hand.

[@RobertEFuller]

They were starving. I had to intervene.

[@rockercater]

Robert E Fuller 385K subscribers ************* THANK YOU...YOUR VIDEOS ARE 'AWESOME''

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks so much 😁

[@carlosrivera4660]

Thanks Robert for all you do for the wild life. You are a Rock. 🙏🙏

[@RobertEFuller]

I appreciate that

[@skins4thewin]

I'm not really a bird person or anything, but I find your videos to be absolutely fascinating. Getting to see up close how nature works is really interesting. Keep up the great work!

[@RobertEFuller]

Wow, thank you!

[@shielaharilal5923]

Oh! How lovely. Great with that chick Mr. Fuller!

[@WaynesAdventure]

Those birds are so beautiful

[@richardjohnson5529]

well done robert great job,

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@RebeccaRuano]

I love the way she looks directly at the camera like “Did you see that?!” 0:44

[@yelypuspita6178]

Oh my God.... I like it's,her baby funy

[@MeysamShojaeeNejad]

6:04 when they hear just something, out of an extreme hunger they subconsciously get so excited. It's really moving.

[@RobertEFuller]

They won’t have fed out of my hands like that normal they would be frightened

[@MeysamShojaeeNejad]

@@RobertEFuller yes, it was clear how desperately they were waiting for a food.

[@simonpeter9617]

That is the natural selection

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes but humans have a bad impacted wildlife and wild places I just try to do a bit to help when I can

[@pleiadeSe7en]

These videos are better than Netflix

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks so much we try to do a great job here Funny enough I have pitched a story to Netflix and so far they haven’t taken me up on my offer There loss

[@pleiadeSe7en]

@@RobertEFuller If you got it ,do they provide you some fund to make even better videos? Only a few animal documentaries in netflix nowadays.

[@patriciagordon7353]

You are a true hero and the wildlife and we who watch are lucky you are out there.

[@RobertEFuller]

Oh thanks 😊 it’s something I have always done but with social media, KZbin I’m able to share it now 😁

[@sh2697]

he is a a true human kestrel

[@galacticbutterfly5590]

The stir of emotions felt when watching a Robert E Fuller wild life film is much needed.

[@mamanmahomie6747]

this video deserve to be see

[@illmatic5294]

Less Fuller & More Birds!

[@audreysenghas4138]

Watching these videos makes me wish I was 20 again. I would be a wildlife biologist. Thanks for making these videos.

[@julieprior3126]

Me too!

[@RobertEFuller]

I kind of wish I was 20 too I’m 50 this year 😆

[@ungole6820]

One the best thing I have found on KZbin

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you - have you seen that I have live streams as well - you can watch fluffy barn owl chicks and hopefully soon the tawny eggs will start to hatch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIrOhqyJiM99pck

[@jimmydelcid8779]

God bless Apollo and Athena. I've never seen such devoted parents before! Honestly couldn't have asked for a better mom and dad. And thank god for the their Uncle Robert! My heart broke seeing the first 2 pass away. Had you not intervened when you did, I fear all the chicks might have been lost.

[@padge555]

ماشاء الله تبارك الرحمن

[@meltedcalippo]

Robert Third Parent Fuller strikes again!

[@RobertEFuller]

It does feel like that sometimes!

[@brianreynolds1098]

I heartily approve of your assisting them in this situation. Though normally not recommended, circumstances were such that an assist was justified. Bravo!

[@ella7779]

bless your heart for doing this for these amazing birds

[@johnchen997]

Your like basically the guardian of these beautiful birds robert. Bless you sir.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks John I will always do what I can to help them out 😃

[@johnchen997]

@@RobertEFuller that's why I've been watching you for a long time and your my favorite youtuber. Thank you Robert.

[@julieprior3126]

There's great light in that nest which allows us to see the beautiful colours, markings and features of the birds. As always the surrounding landscape shots are wonderful. Towards the end those chicks are so fluffy. I loved the sneak peak of the young one looking out of the nest to fledge because altho (s)he has adult coloured plumage, there's a hilarious little hat of white fluff! Fab video Robert, thank you.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it the next film will be a great one they all survived to fledging

[@julieprior3126]

@@RobertEFuller Looking forward to that!

[@MissouriPenny]

_yy_y_yyy

[@lumityinyt8494]

Somehow I watched this with full joy seeing the birds doing well because I have ornithophobia I guess this channel helped me as well and not just birds

[@sandraaguayocastillo4680]

You did an excellent job trying to help, sometimes the results are not the ones we wanted (it´s nature) but at least you tried, thank you for giving us the oportunity to see those wonderful animals, take care.

[@auouraschannel5230]

To be fair, who doesn't get annoyed by flies? It's sad that two died, but one kept the others alive for a little longer. It's lovely that you're helping the babies

[@gdealmeida1187]

Your film are so wonderful- you have such a deep understanding and empathy for the creatures around you, and a talent for sharing that with your audience. Apollo and Athena are so beautiful, Thanks for sharing this!!

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

What a superb, deserving and beautifully written tribute! 🥰

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for your kind words it means a lot to me and my team 😁

[@senlim2779]

I love the video. Thanks!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@lynnrolaf7422]

This is where the phrase Hen pecked comes from!!!

[@RobertEFuller]

Kestrel pecked 😆

[@monettebenedict9784]

How amazing that you were able to help the three young chicks!

[@RobertEFuller]

That’s the good thing about having cameras in the nests 😃

[@anonview]

Thank you for all you do for these birds. I'm so glad that the other three managed to thrive. Athena and Apollo did their best.

[@terrymurray9818]

Who said don't interfere with nature you done a great Job Robert thanks for sharing this video

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

My favourite bird and second favourite creature…thank you for helping nature out..👍🏼

[@RobertEFuller]

have you seen that over the weekend we have new kestrel chicks - 5 eggs have hatched - check them out on my live stream - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIrOhqyJiM99pck

[@frankiepost2749]

WELL DONE ROBERT

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@manglefnaf1173]

It makes me so happy to see you trying to help the babies 🥰

[@RobertEFuller]

It would have been even better if I had got to the little chick sooner and saved it but it’s always a hard decision as to when and if to help out with wildlife

[@jumsaesiaw6890]

Thank you for sharing Mr. Fuller 🙏 I have always enjoyed watching you and your birds 🦅

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 plenty more to come

[@petraklein6920]

So beautiful😍

[@blockly.nerd.]

You are a good person

[@eijuurushihara2754]

Glad you helped the cuties :)

[@etuc_fuzwy3055]

Awww your so kind to them❤

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

👏👏👏, from the Seattle area.

[@BOREMLASEM]

Coś niesamowitego...piękne kadry

[@andradavis7201]

aw your such a furbaby angel................i know i already watched this video but i just loved it thank you for your hard work.....amazing job from a fan in red oak tx.........waiting on the next video...............hugs and kissess. and god bless you

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much!!

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks for a wonderful video and for always doing your best to give a helping hand in hard times and always! So sad to loose 2 little ones but so so glad for the three that are OK!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊there is no sadness in the next video 😃

[@c.morees9698]

The most beautiful predator bird of Europe!!!

[@sherrywebber4013]

Oh Robert THANK you for saving the last 3!! It was so sad to see the other 2 perish but your point well noted .... "ess mouths to feed." Your intervention gets a BRAVO 👏 🙌 BRAVO! ❤💕❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for the support

[@sherrywebber4013]

@@RobertEFuller always!!!

[@Melchro682]

An upload on my birthday! I'm feeling lucky today! Was great to see em growing so fast and you're so wonderful for feeding them when the parents were struggling.

[@RobertEFuller]

Happy 😃 birthday 🎂

[@Melchro682]

@@RobertEFuller Thank you so much!! Your response made my birthday even better, I love your videos so much, I've been on a binge watch lately ❤

[@adarturgut1147]

Thanks too save 🙏🙏🙏

[@RobertEFuller]

😃 👍

[@user-xi7cw1zt1s]

Captivating. Also, awesome to see how species adapt to the environment, and how multiple factors contribute to their diet. The other kestrel family was solely eating rodents, while these ones here are more skillfull in bird-hunting than sparrowhawks!

[@RobertEFuller]

They will usually catch voles when there is enough around but yes they can catch small birds

[@-iceraptor-]

@@RobertEFuller I wonder if they snatch them out of the air, or off the ground/in their nest.?

[@-iceraptor-]

I see them snatching them out of the air fsr.

[@ABlueStitchInTime]

It is so refreshing and heartwarming to see human aid being given after watching so many camera feeds! Even with the losses thank you for helping these beautiful creatures and showing them compassion

[@kennethelkins-wulff9644]

I'm glad to know at least 3 have made it. So sad that the other 2 passed but you did and do what you can. You Robert are an amazing person and I am so glad I found your channel. It's actually helped me to save 3 Barn Owlets and a Red Tailed Hawk chick. Thank You for doing all that you do and for starting this channel!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy my channel Well done 👏 for helping the owls and hawk

[@claraedouwesdekker6389]

Bless you for sharing this for us, and your contribution towards survival of these magnificent creatures.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 glad you enjoyed the film 😄

[@kevindunlap5525]

They are neither decisions nor tough. This is what life is about. The survival of the fittest.