Kestrels Overcome Adversity as Chicks Hatch & Grow | Apollo & Athena | Robert E Fuller

Kestrels Apollo & Athena faced many challenges as their chicks hatched. This story follows this kestrel couple as they overcome their differences and work together to fight off intruders and find enough food for their chicks during the lean 2022 breeding season.
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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Bird of prey attack
Not only did the kestrels have to battle buzzards and tawny owls, but jackdaws and a barn owl also threatened to enter their nest
Six eggs
With a full clutch of eggs to protect, the pair worked tirelessly to keep their nest safe. Watch as Apollo chases a jackdaw away.
Apollo & Athena
For this kestrel couple, battles are commonplace. Not only must they constantly fight to keep their eggs safe, but there is often also a lot of tension inside the nest too.
Athena
Athena is a formidable falcon and in this relationship she is the one who calls the shots. Watch her cluck angrily at Apollo when it is her turn to brood. She is impatient for her turn and is so busy berating him she barely notices that she is blocking his exit.
Incubation
Meanwhile Apollo does his best to please. Watch him squeeze past her and head off to hunt. Later, when the eggs are due to hatch, she takes over the role full time.
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 Athena is hard to please and he looks increasingly confused.
Lean pickings
It soon becomes clear that food is scarce and when Athena also returns from hunting episodes with just a few worms I grow worried for the chicks.
Youngest chick is weak
The youngest chick is a lot smaller than the others …and eventually I decide to intervene. It is always a difficult decision when animals are wild, but at 11 days old this chick was closer to the size you would expect a 4 or 5 day old chick to be.
Sad loss
Despite my best efforts this tiny kestrel chick sadly passed away. It is such a shame but with less beaks to feed the other five chicks soon began to thrive.
Next time
Join me next time to see these kestrel chicks get their ID rings and prepare to take their first look at the world beyond the nest.
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
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00:00 Athena and Apollo in nest
00:23 Jackdaws intrude
00:48 Athena traps Apollo in nest
01:45 Apollo delivers prey
02:22 Barn owl Orion visits
02:53 Kestrel food pass
03:42 Athena incubates eggs for last time
04:08 First chick hatches
04:19 Second chick hatches
04:36 Apollo sees chicks for first time
05:08 Third chick hatches
05:15 Fourth chick hatches
05:39 Fifth chick hatches
05:53 Sixth chick hatches
06:21 Apollo delivers food
07:56 Athena also hunts
08:28 Chicks get just worms
09:04 Trying to rescue youngest chick
10:26 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 #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

[@ameeralimulamukkil9101]

Yl

[@bathakorbathakor3833]

​@@ameeralimulamukkil9101in😊

[@ThakoRRajeshGovindji]

❤

[@beautypigeons]

Hello pigeons lover ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Rinkutechhardoi]

❤❤❤

[@sherrywebber4013]

Kestrel are so good at evenly distributing the food between all their chicks!!❤❤❤

[@AshXXMayftw]

I see Athena is still being Athena. I really feel bad for Apollo when she blocks the exit. There's no other way out and she keeps screeching at him to go hunting, but he can't because she's blocking the way. Poor guy.

[@sandyhayden-bristow1382]

These pair are such good parents. They've had challenges, but met every single one of them.....together. 💖

[@christineingram55]

It’s lovely to watch the Kestrels close up.Very sad the little one was lost,but it’s nature,and you tried your best.It’s a large clutch for her to feed,and with a shortage of small animals it did not help..It also shows the struggles they have to.There are a number of hunting birds in that area ,so you can understand why.But because we see this close up your teaching others how precious these wonderful birds are and how resilient they are to change the food,and overcome problems.I do believe this is why the clutches are so large,to allow for loss .Beautiful to watch,looking forward to the next video and seeing how they have grown 🥰

[@BirdWorldtv8795]

Cute

[@ReasonArt]

Thanks for providing such beautiful and educational content for free Robert, you are a legend

[@abrahamalviarez5870]

1:12 the poor little Apollo knew that day, what marriage feels like lmao

[@sherrywebber4013]

WOWWW 😳 ... Apollo is a wonderful provider of food!!! 😮 👏 dude!! ❤

[@sherrywebber4013]

Apollo is such a good Mate!! ❤❤I love you Apollo & Athena ❤❤❤

[@julierutter9390]

They definitely have their wings full- so to speak! What good parents they are , squabbles and all ! Thanks for another lovely video ❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes they do, they've become quite the pair!

[@donnayoung5133]

Amazing that Athena will "yell" at Apollo to get off the eggs and leave but blocks the entrance...reminds me of some human's behaviors. Cute babies. Amazing photography-I've recommended your 'channel' to many bird-lovers. Thanks, and have a great weekend.

[@aprosflumine9074]

Amazing? That was quite strange.

[@user-mo4yw7kr9n]

​@@aprosflumine9074ههههه فروه ظر

[@KD5HIR]

Reminds me of some women behaviors.

[@lunarwvrld]

​@@KD5HIRYou're not funny

[@michellescott9266]

She a bossy Athena

[@junefulton7418]

Another beautiful story and photography we've grown to expect from you. Oh yes, complete with a heart warming ending also. Your awesome films are like poetry in motion. Keep 'em comin' and thanks, once again❣

[@rwv3n]

aw Apollo is such an attentive partner and dad!

[@Chamber1baby]

00:53 She was Like "Get out! You are doing it wrong!"

[@suzannecarter445]

I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your channel, such refreshing and interesting content. I'd love to see a full 90 minute documentary with you as our guide.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you so much, glad you are enjoying my content.

[@sherrywebber4013]

He looks so healthy in these videos 😢❤❤❤

[@tronbunny]

Amazing teamwork. Thank you for sharing their story with us 🤗

[@RobertEFuller]

Our pleasure! Loads more still to come make sure you subscribe!

[@mortalclown3812]

Good grief ~ being on both sides of the predation formula must be exhausting! Birds are heroic anyway - what they all have to do to eat enough in a day is amazing. Robert, thank you forever for these glimpses into their lives. 🌍🇬🇧🌳🍃🔭✨🌙💙

[@careypierce8131]

My dearest Apollo please fight to get well. You’re story and life aren’t over yet ❤

[@beautypigeons]

❤❤❤

[@Rinkutechhardoi]

❤❤

[@freespirit6209]

Just lovely🥰. Thank you REF!

[@AE-se9bl]

Thanks for this lovely video ! Always a great joy to watch even if loosing the smallest one is sad. 🥰🤗❤❤❤

[@maramakesjournals2319]

So interesting. They all know exactly what to do. Humans are born knowing very little, and they take a long time to grow. Such a difference.

[@mortalclown3812]

Myriad degrees of helplessness in the animal kingdom. Variations are quite interesting, indeed. 🌍🍃🦋🦉🐦

[@maramakesjournals2319]

@@mortalclown3812 Yes!

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

Outstanding visual and narrative to such an interesting and beautiful story, despite the loss. Thank you so much..

[@simplycurlyde]

Can't wait for the continuation of the story. Thanks again Robert. Always enjoy your stories.

[@RobertEFuller]

You are very welcome

[@Methmaker]

Your videos have literally helped me overcome an addiction

[@mortalclown3812]

Hey, that's awesome to read. Way to go. ✨ Fwiw, I'm sober 25 years from narcotics and alcohol, too. What nature's brought to my life has been astonishing. Tho I'm aware it's been here the whole time, it's as if it's new. Hope you've got a good support circle. It makes a difference. (And maybe think about changing your KZbin name heh. Vibes matter. And you're someone else now, friend.) Paz y luz. ✨

[@user-kj9vt4ni4p]

Apollo is such a good father.hope he will be ok

[@chenehigogoi5660]

Thank you Ref for all that you do ❤ This was a beautiful flim. Absolutely loved it

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonny45k44]

Beautiful as always. Thank you for all the hard work you do!

[@Astronurd]

Athena seems to be a right boitch 😂

[@RadekCrazy1]

I can't help to feel pity for Apollo. He is living in such a toxic relationship LOL but at least they are both devoted parents 🤣

[@msinvincible2000]

Poor Apollo, Athina is so mean to him :(

[@crystalgaskins8270]

What a beautiful bird. Those white wings/feathers underneath are so attractive. Loved this video. Thanks, Robert.

[@delilahboa]

I always love your narration Robert, brings another level to already incredible footage……so sorry the chick died, you did everything you could …..thanks so much for all you do xx❤xx

[@richardjohnson5529]

Nature is both wonderful and hard

[@crystalphillips696]

Thank you so much for all the beautiful videos. This was so amazing to watch.❤

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you like them!

[@dufhkjsehfkEBFK]

its so beautiful to see them again ❤

[@beautypigeons]

❤❤❤❤

[@jackwynia428]

Apollo taking such a comeback this year you love to see it

[@maggieincanada2062]

Breathtakingly beautiful!

[@BillyAlabama]

Love this episode!

[@deborahschell9176]

Awe.. it is nature. I'm glad they're all doing well! Great to see!

[@Dan-nt2yb]

My favourite KZbin channel. Keep em coming Robert. Fabulous stuff.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@violettbellerose1173]

Thanks for the subtitles 💕 English is not my first language and sometimes I need them

[@LynneFarr]

How is Apollo now? Is he showing any signs of recovery? Does Athena have a brood to raise on her own this year? It's so sad to see such special birds in trouble.

[@RobertEFuller]

Thankfully Apollo and Athenas chicks have already fledged and are doing really well. Apollo has been seen on my nest cams over the weekend so we will have to watch carefully.

[@LynneFarr]

@@RobertEFuller Thanks for the update. Hoping for the best.

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

Thank you Ref ❤

[@Rajput.659]

Amazing lifestyle without any tension ❤

[@LemonLoverCockatiel]

I hope Apollo makes it

[@amd_kn8]

I'm waiting for the next episode.. thank you for sharing, really great video

[@filibuster_jpr]

I will wait for the next time. thanks a lot for the video ❤👏

[@abrahamalviarez5870]

I cant wait for the next episode!!!!

[@WildlifeEcama77]

4:57 The baby kestrel is so cute

[@liws1368]

这隼聪明的…选树穴为“暖房”…不怕日晒雨淋！😄😄👍👍

[@vivianefrancart5065]

POOR CHICK, BUT THE LAST THING HE HAD WAS A GOOD MEAL, THANKS TO YOU. A WONDERFUL FILM, ATHINA IS A GREAT LADY, AND APOLLO IS A VERY GOOD HUSBAND, BUT 5 CHICKS ARE TOO MANY FOR A LITTLE BIRD. THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY, IT'S VERY INTERESTING TO SEE HOW MUCH BIRDS AND HUMANS HAVE THE SAME ATIDUDES 🌱🌾🌹🌿🍀

[@AreumiV]

Love this!!

[@MuantanamoMobile]

1:07 "Where do you think you are going?", I am NOT done with you yet. - Athena

[@naturesviewwithanishkhira]

That's awesome to seeing

[@urimtefiki226]

I like how they feed the chicks.

[@flightforensics4523]

Excellent!

[@judybevers5557]

Kestrels are my favorite BOP! 🦫

[@gala_pi]

It's subtle but this video actually provides an insight into how field manufacturing make it more difficult for wildlife to survive. Athena and Apollo and their 6 chicks need to eat 12 rodents a day. And some days Athena returned with just one worm. Because when those fields harvested so many rodents are killed. I was vegetarian for many years before I realised that eating one cow a year is healthier for a planet than supporting vegetarian industry that kills so many rodents and hence wildlife. That smallest chick probably would have survived if nourished properly and received enough mother's warmness, but instead his mother had to leave her chicks to find food herself. Just some food for thought for all of us.

[@Borninthe80s.]

It’s more to do with the heat

[@LewdMama]

Athena may be boisterously demanding but she does raise successful broods. Apollo probs likes her upfront nature.

[@Brenton-lh4ze]

so cute

[@BrettCBCorr]

These are cute. 🐦

[@andymasungsong8120]

Nice beautiful birds I'm subscribes for you friend.

[@RobertEFuller]

Many thanks - and thanks for subscribing.

[@chukon571]

Bendiciones ♥️🇩🇴🖐️

[@lyngruen8607]

Really enjoy your videos 🦉💖 🦉 Thank you Robert! Texas Nana 🤠 Psalm 91

[@Siuu7_sports_lovers]

Thanks❤❤

[@rajeshcartoonbox]

So cute

[@rodjsmamac]

Thanks you so much sir you sheering your nice vedio..

[@SahabatSeniPikat]

Amazing❤

[@mariasantos-wf2rn]

Lindo demais 🦉🦜🦜🐦🐦🦅🦅🕊️🕊️🪶

[@Majestic502]

birds are beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@BirdWorldtv8795]

Wow cute

[@SaravananSaravanan-pt5qs]

Robert. Ji super

[@kakakhankhan8529]

Great

[@amarshergill5953]

Good job sir ❤

[@md.farhan3944]

Nice ❤

[@flowershah8644]

Very good video 💯

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad you enjoyed

[@hamzasaad4301]

سبحان الله العظيم ،سبحان الرزاق وفي السماء رزقكم وما توعدون

[@abal7633]

Bossy Mrs Kestrel

[@minttuxxx9109]

Pls keep them safe. Your The only one who cares

[@trololo1397]

a very pretty couple

[@Anilbhai_01]

Good

[@SoundOfmyworld]

Woow❤❤❤❤ beautiful

[@yalondahinton3839]

Not they got into a argument 😂😂😂

[@restimacabata9001]

better than discovery channel and national geographic....

[@yalondahinton3839]

Athena must be a Aquarius 😂😂😂

[@3abdoskstar974]

سبحان الخالق المبدع

[@django1364]

awesome what type of camera do you use for such a clean image

[@prashantthapliyal2861]

Hello i am your new subscriber from dehradun India 🇮🇳

[@yogeshmarapasswordnahihaip6226]

Very good vedio sir

[@RobertEFuller]

Thank you for watching.

[@KidaneTeklay]

❤you are amezing to get the eggs

[@yahoo582]

adversity always presents opportunities for introspection

[@scrabbit6487]

Athena is such a demanding wife

[@LatvianBoi-yd7iz]

yes

[@KD5HIR]

Their cute birds nonetheless.

[@wanderpike]

❤❤❤

[@cranberriarts]

I hate to ask because I love both of them so much, but if Apollo doesn’t recover from his infection, would Athena be able to find a new mate? I’ve heard of some mate-for-life birds slowing down and essentially going catatonic after their mate dies and I’m worried for both of them

[@toldavf1523]

Daww fluffy family

[@natural__vibes_]

❤❤

[@F84894]

Enjoy life