Kestrels Unite to Win War Against Jackdaws | Apollo & Athena | Robert E Fuller

Relations between kestrels Apollo & Athena are often tense. But when a flock of jackdaws threaten their nest, they unite to fight the invasion.
Date filmed: 2023
Watch kestrels 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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Kestrel nest
It's the start of the breeding season and kestrels Apollo and Athena return to their favourite nest, Ash Hollow.
Competition
But this nest is in a prime location and jackdaws are also looking to nest. The jackdaws are bigger, stronger, and extremely persistent. When Athena finds a pair rearranging her nesting material a vicious fight ensues.
Bird fights
Apollo, the male, rushes to his partner's aide, but in his hurry he accidently knocks her out of the nest. The scuffles continue for weeks, and the battles become increasingly ferocious.
Nest shortage
It is important this kestrel pair secure this nest, since there is a shortage of suitable sites for kestrels which is one reason these birds are on the amber list for UK birds of conservation concern.
Kestrel courtship
But the kestrels are determined to start a family and their courtship continues. Apollo, the male, spends his time finding gifts for his mate Athena - some get a better reception than others.
Unseasonable snowfall
In March a blanket of snow covers the Yorkshire Wolds and now Apollo must work even harder.
Kestrel relations
But poor Apollo can never do enough and Athena complains noisily when he fails to deliver, trapping him in the nest as she berates him.
Getting ready for chicks
This kestrels pair are known for their turbulent relationship but it isn't long before they are working as a team, digging shallow depressions into the nest floor for their eggs.
Egg laying
By mid-April, Athena lays her first egg, ignoring a twig left in the nest by the pesky jackdaws. It is 3 days before the second egg. The next two are laid 2 days later.
Keeping guard
Now the kestrels cannot afford to let their guard down and Athena keeps one eye open even as she sleeps. Known as unihemispheric slow wave sleep, this is a survival tactic she shares with other bird species.
Jackdaw attack
Athena needs to be vigilant more than ever. When the jackdaws invade again, grabbing at her tail feathers, she rounds on them and this time the jackdaws don't return - for a while at least.
Competition continues
But Athena' gets little peace and is soon disturbed by a rival kestrel, Jenny who has flown across form Fotherdale.
Kestrels share roles
Male and female kestrel take turns to sit on the eggs, but Athena takes the night shifts. Both birds hunt, but Apollo continues to bring Athena gifts, even delivering live prey.
Incubation
After so much action, the monotony of incubating is getting to Athena. But as she chases flies around the nest, Apollo continues to guard the nest from squirrels and yet more jackdaw threats
Chick hatches
In May the first chick hatches and now this kestrel pair must work even harder to feed their young family.
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: www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the characters you watch here!
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Or sign up to my newsletter: mailchi.mp/robertefuller/news...
#robertefuller #kestrel #apolloandathena #wildlives
CHAPTERS
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00:00-Apollo & Athena's story
00:51-Jackdaw intrusions
01:42-Bird fights
03:53-Snowfall
08:16-Egg laying
10:04-Sleeping with one eye open
10:50- Intrusion by kestrel Jenny
13:09-Incubation
14:34 Live prey
16:12-Next time
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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]

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 Sign up to my newsletter for weekly wildlife dispatches here: mailchi.mp/robertefuller/newslettersignupSupport 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

[@sydneymomma11]

I can't begin to state how much these films mean to me. Robert, your earnest and calming narration style, the soothing music without overdramatic overtures, amazingly high quality footage, plus all the work being done to help the animals makes my heart sing. 💜

[@susanmercurio1060]

And his surroundings look just like the book Watership Down. If you haven't read it, I suggest it strongly.

[@MC202zipper]

Perfectly said.

[@sufyanrasheed-oi8wm]

Wsx

[@kathleenmccaffery1313]

Beautifully articulated share Sydney momma! ❤️🫶❤️🫶 I garner whole big bunches of calm from REF as well 🎈 My life is a semblance of 'gleeful happy' bc of his love for animals complementing his relationship with nature🫶🌿🪹🪺🍄 Have a blessed weekend everyone who comes here to visit!! 🦝🦉🐧🐣 😇😇🫶🫶

[@kathleenmccaffery1313]

Hi REF! 👏👏🌟🌟 Lovely share >you make me smile ear to ear with your love of wildlife!! ☺️💙💜💛💚 Bless you!! 💛💚💙

[@danime35]

Hit the road Jack! Ok don't boo me, someone had to say it.

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

I'm a fan of kestrels and corvids, so I find it hard to root for either one against the other. Bird fights are brutal. If only our feathered companions would agree to a time-share arrangement! Robert, thank you for sharing your extraordinary wildlife documentaries with us! ❤

[@CGtheAroAceQueen]

Couldn't agree more. All birds are special to me, and their conflicts are just a part of life that we don't even need to weigh in our minds. They're all majestic.

[@Master_Petes_Theater]

@@CGtheAroAceQueen Well said! 😊👏👏

[@rangerjaxmaxmay7742]

Thank you Robert. Athena trapping Apollo in the nest appears to be saying, "How would YOU like it?" It is sad to see the LACK of trees on the fence lines of the paddocks, not only for birds & windbreaks, but other creatures on the ground & their prey of lizards, etc. Trees are important in soil retention. I truly wish folks would support the Environment & her creatures. In Australia it is so difficult to get folk to provide & replenish water resources/sources & plant canopy & shrubberies, etc. for our wildlife & domestic creatures.

[@careypierce8131]

Darn Jackdaws!!! Apollo and Athena are the ultimate team.

[@torra9979]

Jackdaws are genuinely so scary.

[@Xavie_King]

Jackdaws are killers and scary

[@Legoldos]

well kestrels probably hunt jackdaws chicks so no surprise there

[@YusufKaan-ti7fc]

We need a jackdaw ep. So far they have just been villians

[@allenholmes2353]

Spicy Athena and sweet Apollo. They are one of my fav kestrel couples ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Me too you have to love Athena’ spirited nature

[@susanasalinas4273]

Hi Robert. Wow, what a fight. Kestrels are amazing. Apollo is quite the man.

[@janetfitzgerald5794]

Yes, Apollo is quite the man, BUT it was Athena that pinned that jackdaw down😂

[@robertharris1748]

@@janetfitzgerald5794 Yes. Although, to be fair, female raptors are usually a good bit larger than the males. And he was told off when he didn't feed her!

[@teribelleau137]

G M Robert. What an exciting episode. I find Kestrels to be so beautiful. Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you for watching.

[@sasharaj]

I had a kestrel just outside my window, on a fence rail, about 8 months ago. What a joy! It was about 6-7 feet away. He stayed just long enough for me to run for my binocs and get a close-up view. WOW.

[@BreastCancerWarrior43]

Robert, your videos are always amazing. Thanks for the education!

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@zzzzz77771]

For anyone wondering just how intelligent a Jackdaw is, my encounter with one says it all. I am a roofer, I was working on a metal roof of a leisure centre when a Jackdaw flew down to about 20 feet from us and was watching us intensely. It then began to edge closer and closer. Once it firgure we werent a threat, it began to perch on my arm and and knee when i sat down. Here the crazy part, we were taking screws out of the old roof using molegrips, this Jackdaw decided it wanted to help, so it jumped onto the roof, went to the screws and started to trying to unwind the screws with its beak, and kept doing it anti clockwise!! It knew the direction it had to go! Never went clockwise! It ran along the line testing each one. It was remarkable. It followed me around and sat on my shoulder as i went down to my van, and flew off when we had to drive off. I'll never forget it, such a clever little bird

[@RobertEFuller]

Sounds amazing experience it might have been hand raised by humans but living wild They’re so smart

[@dannesys]

Wow, that sounds just fascinating! Who would have thought it knows about screw directions!😵. They have proven to be very intelligent indeed & it would perhaps benefit us to do more research into the hows and whys.

[@zzzzz77771]

@dannesys Yeah, that's what shocked us the most, it watched so intently it even knew the direction! I've never looked at them the same since then.

[@Emily-Whitfield]

I ❤❤❤❤ Apollo and Athena!! Such beautiful birds defending their nest!!! Thank You,Robert Emily from Missouri ❤❤❤❤

[@RaptorGirlkathy]

Thank you, for your work, Robert!! I work with a male kestrel, educational ambassador, at Green Chimneys Wildlife Center. Love them 💕

[@Fadedecho1]

I have to say birds have very serious intrusions. Never would have thought. Geez. Hopefully all goes well with them. ❤

[@BillyAlabama]

Your stories are magical. Wondrous! Thank you! ❤

[@betacam235]

Wonderful stuff. The early morning drone shots of mist filled hollows are superb.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you.

[@originalkitten]

Throughly enjoyed That thank you.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you very much!

[@torra9979]

A lot more facts and insight into other species this video. I really like this format. Is it possible to keep doing this for future videos? Amazing camera work and commentary as always.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you for your feedback, I want to educate my viewers as much as possible, so something I will definitely look at doing more of

[@FatShork]

I agree! I never even knew kestrels existed before this channel, so it's been great learning more 😊

[@susanmercurio1060]

​@@FatShorkI was very interested in medieval life in high school so I knew that the aristocracy used kestrels for hunting.

[@mariabeatrizlopezperalta5681]

Me too! It's was wonderful to get to learn more and contrast one behavior with another from different species, thank you!

[@vivianefrancart5065]

BEAUTIFUL, SAD, CRUEL, NEW LIFE, INTERESTING, THAT BIRDS SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN, THAT HALF OF THE BRAINS ARE AWAKE THEN, AND THE FIGHTS. WHAT A STORY OF A KESTREL, ATHENA IS A COURAGEOUS WOMAN, NEVER AFRAID OF THE ENEMY, A FANTASTIC MAM FOR HER CHICKS WHO WOULD GIVE HER LIFE FOR THEM. MAGNIFICENT FILM, THANK YOU Mr FULLER, BUT I ALSO WANT TO SEE THE SECOND PART.👍👍💛💚💛🌹🌿🌾

[@kenhughes4715]

They sure go through a lot. Thank you.

[@Lexusgx550]

Good morning Robert. That was a tough fight.

[@lastone783]

Wonderful video! If I was that kind of person, I’d be envious of the pleasure you get from your work. Everyone should be so lucky❣️

[@delilahboa]

My heart pounds at the sight of those fights ❤…..incredible narration and footage as always, thanks Robert xxxx

[@normanjefferychester882]

How wonderful Robert, I enjoy your videos much, I'm creating a Robert Fuller playlists

[@Jackson-pu7gd]

These videos are really high quality Robert. I just want to let you know how much i appreciate the effort you put into these videos because they are just amazing and enthralling.

[@CheshireCat6639]

Ty for sharing sharing..excellent as always 🎉

[@leiflen4207]

Amazing shots of the lives of these beautiful birds

[@soniaribeirokloth1914]

Hi, Robert! I love this couple very much!!😍 Thank you for this amazing video, and expecting the next one!! 🙌🤩🙏👍😉🤗

[@henrylaubenstein6649]

So schöne, interessante Aufnahmen! Ich kann mich gar nicht satt sehen. Herzlichen Dank.

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

Oh my! What footage! - As always, Thank you

[@catsamazing338]

Absolutely entrancing 👍

[@aprilwilliamson2941]

Just love watching the behaviors ... love these films!

[@denisechetty4019]

Fantastic to see these Kestrels story.❤

[@LadyTarasque]

Ohhhh... interesting to see that Jenny met Athena o-o wise bird not to tangle with her.. Excited for the new season ^^

[@freshandzestyfood5033]

Im so glad Jenny didn't try it too 😮

[@klm_shadow]

I thought she was respectful like “oh it’s occupied” and just left without a scuffle. It was interesting to see for sure.

[@amy8879]

Wow!! Thank you so much for fresh content all the time… it’s a refreshing change to gawking at cams all day to experience their lives ♥️

[@annecohen8927]

Oh my gosh, I have never seen this before! This is just so beautiful to see Apollo and his wife, Athena!!❤❤❤❤❤❤ Absolutely amazing!!!

[@RobertEFuller]

They really are a great pair - such characters.

[@francineberger4248]

Robert E. Fuller I just found you're videos yesterday and absolutely love them Thank you

[@RobertEFuller]

Welcome to my channel 😃

[@nihar5818]

Mr Fuller- I ve seen before last November. I ve recorded video. You're happiest one of this world. So many thanks.

[@Ilovetherain23]

Hi Robert. When will the new video of Luna and Bomber get released? I'm dying to see their chicks.❤

[@damieia8772]

❤❤ I’m from New Jersey I love seeing your videos it gives me a window of wildlife I would never be able to see and enjoy what beautiful land you have I think you

[@Neil-ru7kw]

Thank You Robert 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ritacebergs5520]

I so enjoyed your kestrel movie, a excellent story to watch. Thanks for sharing your talent

[@joystone5793]

What wonderful videos and narration! They are very professional, and desire wide distribution. I accidentally tumbled across your channel after watching a pair of golden eagles at Bear Lake, in the US, and I am so glad to have found it. Thank you for your hard work.

[@sheilagadde5975]

Apollo works harder than DOORDASH!

[@user-km6xy9xf5p]

Superb footage, great storytelling, fabulous watch. Thank you.

[@AC-ni4gt]

They're a beautiful couple❤

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

I can’t get mad a jack daws any more they do what nature tells them so intelligent

[@viviana-7569]

It's amazing what you do, your love and respect for wildlife! And you let us see how hard life is for all these species, but also how strong they are when it comes to defend their nests an offsprings. And what breathtaking landscapes. It reminds me of those where they show cropcircles. YT has just shown me your videos and I fell in love with them, can't stop watching them. Thank you so much for sharing. Bye from the city of Bs. As., here in the middle of a scorching summer( Feb.1st,24).🦉🐣🐥💞🙋‍♀️🇦🇷😘

[@RobertEFuller]

Hi 👋 thanks so much for your kind words

[@susanwade4796]

👍😊 Thanks Robert, I love your films of all of your Bird-Family-friends. 🤗 Hugs 💞👉to you, & yours !

[@michaelmendillo7513]

God I love watching these special videos ! Your work is so amazing !!! And I am very thankful to you ! 😁✌️✝️💕💕💕

[@itsmelampoi]

Absolutely fantastic content !!

[@DonnaReynolds-ju8yy]

I think this is so lovely, thank you for sharing this. ❤

[@pham_hanni]

이채널을 알게된후 모든 새들을 사랑하게 되었어요. 특히 황조롱이 너무귀여워❤

[@amydason9332]

Pretty cool ! Stunning birds !🌹🕊

[@manyakejderiya6867]

Can we get a documentary about the Jackdaws?

[@Artcraftinspiration]

Good on Apollo. Great to see Athena hatch all those eggs! Amazing team. Thank you so much for sharing all this footage..incredible team!

[@MichaelSharpBLACKDRUMMIKE]

Kestrals are awesome!

[@user-mz2bh3bo4o]

Thankyou for the future of the Kestrel and her mates

[@myk1200s]

Robert, I came across your channel a few days ago and I must say I was Pleasantly surprised. The first one I watched was on the kestrels and it looked like the mother was to tressed out from fighting the intruders and owls off she never returned and the male took over. What a incredible story. Love the channel 👀forward to watching the rest 👍

[@virginiarogers9564]

Thank you!! Beautiful!!!

[@ebert8756]

Beautiful birds and beautiful countryside ❤

[@betl5982]

Amazing! Thanks!

[@kristapsmuravjovs7061]

Absolutly beautiful, much love to you, these videos mean so much to so many of us. Thank you Robert, you friggin rock.

[@RobertEFuller]

🪨🤩 thanks 😁

[@evashelton3162]

Excellent video. Grateful for this experience.

[@shirleywilhelm1495]

This was wonderful! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@anitavincent7447]

It’s going to be a beautiful day starting it off with one of your videos. It’s such a hard life for all wildlife to survive and thrive, thanks for bringing this to our attention (plus the most interesting fact of their sleeping trick) and ending it with a good outcome. 🙏🏻🥰

[@marymansell402]

Better than ever! thank you

[@KS-jm9uo]

Beautiful work ❤

[@katalin2555]

Beautiful

[@bazzafireblade6068]

Absolutely tremendous viewing, that is brilliant, much appreciated, thanks

[@asiimwefrankmulekwa403]

This was marvelous..!

[@sheilagadde5975]

Such COURAGE!

[@steeeebs7286]

Such amazing footage!

[@kayharker712]

Absolutely fascinating. You really do learn something new everyday.

[@nmritter]

These videos make me so happy to watch

[@irmamelendez2355]

Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy nature.

[@user-dz9qd2lu4t]

Wow, amazing 👍

[@SunnySouthernCA]

I just LOVE this channel 🩷🩷🩷

[@barbarastepien-foad4519]

My word, life is brutal for wildlife....soooo interesting to watch this video, for me it's one of the best knes you've produced Robert. Well done to you and to our beloved wildlife ❤

[@mjoao4635]

We are waiting for the second of this 2 and kids💪. As always great videos , edit , etc , Robert you are amazing 👌👍. Regards from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@carollunn3370]

Robert: thank you for these exciting & informative videos. Apollo means business with those Jackdaws in her nesting area, & it was so funny when she was scolding Apollo over her lack of food! I had the opportunity to witness a pair of Mourning Doves take turns "building" a nest in a flower pot I placed up high under the eaves at the place where I previously resided. They took turns brooding once eggs appeared...a clutch of 2 each time. They took turns getting food like the Kestrels. They ended up with 10 young that one season. Each time they fledged, they pecked at each other's beaks as they were so excited. So wonderful to see this. Thank you!!

[@timf6916]

Nice work

[@junefulton7418]

Another awesome film re the beginnings and creations of life. So grandly documented also, which is the only version you know. lol! Thank you once again for another masterpiece ❣

[@cathyb1273]

When I saw the first image of the baby kestrel, it remind me of the rebirth of the phoenix in Harry Potter. 😊 Nature is beautiful but rough. Beautiful video, thanks.

[@sportymcsports]

Hi Robert, this was beautiful! Can you tell us why Athena leaves the nest every time Apollo brings her food. Does she eat it elsewhere to keep from attracting predators to the nest? Does she eat it right away? Does she perhaps go and hide it? Thank you!

[@RobertEFuller]

Kestrels and most other birds of prey eat away from the nest yes not to attract attention to predators and to keep the nest clean as possible She will eat the food on a branch or on the ground and they do have places they stash food too

[@susanschmid2271]

Super.

[@nanbarber6631]

I love your videos. The Kestrels and Owls are beautiful birds. Thank you for sharing these

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@BlitheApathy]

You're show really inspired my mom to set up native bird nest spots on her homestead. She's been allready turning the lot next to hers into a mini wildlife sanctuary, planted with near all native plants for her bees an the wild ones, a lot of plants that have more or less been stripped away where she lives. Since she's letting the giant lot grow over she decided why not set up boxes an hollows on her property. She's allready noticed the crazy amounts of hummingbirds, butterflies and her first barn own couple took the hallow atop an old growth tree. An she's been seeing two hawks frequent her front yard a lot so she's hoping they might be pleased enough with the set up to nest there or close by. It's really neat. Ill keep ya posted with updates on the stead of you want to know. Thank you for making the videos that you do an helping out the wildlife.

[@RobertEFuller]

Oh that’s great to hear A bit of effort can help wildlife so much and in turn give’s much pleasure and enjoyment seeing the difference it makes 😁 send my regards to your mum

[@ellekay2056]

Why does it feel like im watching an epic action movie. So invested in it.

[@RobertEFuller]

😃 glad you enjoyed the kestrels

[@ellekay2056]

Subscribed @@RobertEFuller

[@GordonThurlow]

I loved watching how these 2 kestrels overcame adversity, the hidden camera has certainly captured all of life's ups and downs in a kestrel nest the egg laying is a 1st for me something iv never seen b4 .1more event that' the cameras caught was the bringing back of live prey Superb footage.Love to see more.😃👍

[@sawannaturner-zx6dh]

Love these stories

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks ☺️

[@DonnaReynolds-ju8yy]

Thanks!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you.

[@zsrecyclebin6957]

Someone has to do a compilation of all the times Athena has trapped Apollo to scold him over the years 😂

[@RobertEFuller]

Good idea 👍 we will take a look

[@user-zh2qj3qq8q]

GREAT 😃😃😃😃😃

[@matpetir6834]

Saya sangat menikmati video anda. Amazing

[@Illcastashadow1]

Lol, I thoroughly enjoy how Apollo tries to be the "man" but ends up kinda of being a klutz. Reminds me of myself when I play that card. 🤣

[@EmmaDee]

I’m yelling for Robert to go grab that stick when he gets a chance!! LOL!!

[@sheilagadde5975]

Prayers for Robert Fuller.

[@deluxeedition4639]

jenny's so polite to athena, just leaving her be instead of starting a scuffle over the nest!

[@skshamim7525]

❤❤❤❤❤