Kestrel Chicks All Alone After Mum Disappears | Mr & Mrs Kes | Robert E Fuller

When kestrel mum Mrs Kes disappears, she leaves six chicks all alone. Cold and hungry, they will surely die without her. Find out what happens and learn how tough kestrel mums need to be to bring up their babies in the wild.
Watch Mr Kes live on my nest cam: • Live From Fotherdale |... and follow the story of Mr & Mrs Kes in this playlist: • Kestrels 🦅 Mr & Mrs Ke...
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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Female kestrel protecting six chicks
Mrs Kes's six chicks are just a couple of days old and she has her work cut out. Already she has had to fight off barn owls, jackdaws, tawny owls, and even a red kite, to keep them safe.
Feeding the chicks
Meanwhile she must feed her chicks. Kestrel chicks cannot manage big pieces of food so she tears them into small morsels and feeds each chick in turn.
The male provides
While the female kestrel feeds the chicks, the male’s main role is to provide for the family.
But Mrs Kes isn't well
But over the next few days, Mrs Kes doesn’t seem herself. She’s an experienced mother, but now, she’s restless. She is leaving the nest more often than she should and is struggling to sleep.
Night threat
As night falls, Mrs Kes is particularly jumpy. She can hear the tawny owls outside. When one tries to enter the nest, Mrs Kes leaps to defend her chicks.
Unsteady flight
Kestrels can't see in the dark, so after heading out to investigate a sound in the night, Mrs Kes falls on her return. And when the tawny owl living next door, Luna, flies too close to the kestrel nest, she loses her footing again. She clearly isn't as strong or nimble as usual.
Mrs Kes disappears
Ten minutes later, just after midnight, this female kestrel heads out of the nest.
Leaving chicks alone
By morning, Mrs Kes hasn’t returned and the chicks are calling desperately. Mr Kes returns with food and drops a vole on to the nest floor, but has no idea how to feed them. If they don’t eat soon, they’ll die. One of the chicks tries to eat the prey he returns with, but it doesn't know how to break up the food.
Time to intervene
The chicks have been alone for 10 hours and are getting cold. I climb the ladder and carefully open up the nest. It is full of mice, which normally the mother would’ve fed them by now.
Health check
Some of the chicks are really struggling now. Three are too weak to go back into the nest and I place a heat mat in the nest to keep the other three warm. It’s really important, if the female does return, there are chicks in here, otherwise she might abandon this nest.
Hand feeding the chicks
The chicks I brought in are doing well. They've warmed up and are eating hungrily.
Mr Kes tries to brood
When Mr Kes returns he tries to brood the chicks.This is very unusual for a male kestrel.
Next time...
In the next film… watch how Mr Kes steps up to the challenge.
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 Female Kestrel has Six Chicks
00:19 She Must Defend her Nest
00:46 And Feed the Chicks
01:00 Meanwhile the Kestrel Male Provides Food
01:24 Mrs Kes Isn't Herself
02:44 Night Threat
03:52 Mrs Kes Almost Falls
04:53 Mrs Kes Leaves
05:05 Kestrel Chicks Alone
05:38 Male Delivers Food
06:10 One Chick Tries To Eat
06:27 Time to Intervene
07:00 Hand Feeding Kestrel Chicks
07:15 Taking Kestrel Chicks Out of Nest
07:50 Kestrel Chick Health Check
09:23 Hand Feeding Kestrel Chicks
10:12 Mr Kes Returns
10:27 Kestrel Male Tries to Brood
11:00 Next Time: Mr Kes Steps Up To Challenge
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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 #birdsofprey

[@RobertEFuller]

I hope you've enjoyed the video! Watch more Mr & Mrs Kes films: bit.ly/43x2rxL See them 24/7 on my livestream: bit.ly/44ScRZT 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

[@majawn]

Did Mrs. Kes disappeared forever?

[@IJh-lydiHyodZnjtzqe]

Towards a beautiful baby/美しい姿の子に向かって/向美麗的寶寶前進

[@careypierce8131]

Mr. Kes is just the best Dad. What he did for his brood, learning how to feed and care for them is nothing short of amazing.

[@RobertEFuller]

He really was, it was amazing to watch how he handled it all

[@saj638]

When the second part of this will be uploaded. Thanks

[@saj638]

My wife eager to know mrs.kez returned to her nest or not.

[@adaminflux]

@@saj638 she didn’t. She abandoned the nest because of the constant threat of predators. When birds become really, really stressed, they’ll abandon their nests & broods.

[@oxanatarashchuk4598]

@@adaminflux that's sad 😓

[@CMK2015]

We miss you Mrs. Kes!!! Don’t worry, Mr. Kes took care of all the kids. Now they’re all grown up ❤️

[@rkshpid]

Any clue what happened to Mrs. Kes

[@CMK2015]

Unfortunately no - she is missing indefinitely.

[@raskolnikov6443]

@@clegsmegson2627 yawn

[@StinkyPoopyMcFartFace]

@@clegsmegson2627 yawn

[@-108-]

@@StinkyPoopyMcFartFace Alright, that's enough! Plz stop making me yawn!

[@sentrystorm519]

So heartbreaking to see Mrs. Kes in a distressed state and uncharacteristically disoriented; like something was attacking her from the inside out. Hallmarks of a festering infection taking hold. I don't think she had the strength to fly back to the nest after her final attempt at relief, probably to get water. She was an absolutely fantastic, devoted mum. Thank you REF for helping her legacy live on, both in video and with her babies. ❤

[@euqueromuitomais]

I find it amazing how people manage create fics out of thin air.

[@sentrystorm519]

@@euqueromuitomais it's called deductive reasoning based on current evidence. Hopefully someone uses it on your death.

[@marimo66666]

Mrs Kes likely ended up on some hunter's KZbin channel 😢

[@username92345]

​@@marimo66666 what really? Where

[@lastone783]

Hate that this happened but love that Mr. Kes was able, with your assistance, to raise the chicks. Happy ending❣️

[@kristenevans4557]

I’m so glad you intervene when necessary. Breaks my heart for this family but it’s amazing how Mr. Kess changes his behavior and adapts to his new role to keep his chicks alive.

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

What did he call that tumor/lump thing on their necks?

[@kristenevans4557]

@@chaosdemonwolf1 it’s a crop, where the food goes first. A full crop is a sign they’re eating well. It allows them to keep more food.

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

@@kristenevans4557 Sorta like what squirrels do by packin' nuts etc in their cheeks.

[@RobertEFuller]

It was an incredible thing to watch The easy option would have been for me to hand rear the chicks, but I was determined to keep them as wild as possible which meant a 3:45 start for me each day

[@RobertEFuller]

@@chaosdemonwolf1 that’s where the food goes before it’s digested it’s called a crop

[@kaya604]

💜 Mrs Kes behaved as if badly internally injured ... there are birds that leave their nest after severe injury and wait out their last days (or minutes) elsewhere ..... very sad ......... 💜 .... i will always remember the bravery and beauty of Mrs Kes ..

[@RobertEFuller]

I personally think she might have had a head injury 🤕 she just wasn’t her self

[@wheeeeeha]

@@RobertEFuller Probably from that hawk attack.

[@angelserenade]

i almost got teary eyed watching the last moments we get to see mrs. Kes. It is unfortunate and sad that she has not returned again to see her brood survive to adulthood. I guess several factors had come to play that caused for her to disappear, such as trauma or injuries. But she has proven that she is a formidable little falcon at the very end.

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

Seriously, you could make an award winning animated children's film out of Mr. Kestrel's ordeal as a single father

[@RobertEFuller]

It sure could

[@octaviablackthorn9]

So proud Mr. Kes stepped up and learned how to care for them with your assistance.

[@AE-se9bl]

My heart breaks for poor Mrs Kes , such worries she had with all threats she had to deal with before she disappeared. She was such a lovin mum caring for her chicks ! Bless you @Robert E Fuller and Mr Kes too for saving these precious chicks ! 🥰🤗

[@jomelninohalang8825]

A father is trying so hard to keep his childs alive

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

Poor Mrs Kes. She did such a valiant job protecting her chicks. Sad that she wasn't able to continue. However, we get a fantastic view at how the papa bird steps in and finished the job of rearing the keslets. Yay Mr Kes! Thanks to some help from you, Mr. Fuller.

[@samwayn2348]

This guy is a national treasure.

[@samschoenecker2213]

*International treasure

[@Looscannon94]

Dad of the year

[@theowlmancometh]

Wherever you fly, the best to you Mrs Kes, you were a good mother as long as you could. Mr Kes and Robert made sure your kesslets made it.

[@bealynn2258]

Dad MR KES *stepped up and made VIDEO History!! 😁👍👍💯🎉🎉 ALL of their Chicks SURVIVED & Fledged!! * with a bit of help from REF!💖

[@MrHistorian123]

I live quite close to Robert Fuller's gallery in Thixendale. He's an amazing artist as well as a phenomenal advocate for wildlife in his area. Every time I visit his gallery, I leave with a lot less money than when I arrived. But driving round the area around the gallery, what strikes you is the sheer wealth of wildlife: one night I saw 4 different Barn Owls within 3 miles of his home and that is almost certainly due to his custodianship. The man deserves an award for his work.

[@SixFourZero]

I am not usually a bird person, but my heart almost dropped and broke when you had to step in. I was so worried for them. Theyre so small and precious. I am so happy you saved them.

[@RobertEFuller]

Glad 😀 i have turned you into a bird person, Next episode coming it 2 weeks

[@gdealmeida1187]

I am still hoping that Mrs. Kes will return to Fotherdale- she seemed exceedingly stressed from all of the nest intruders and I wonder if it could have caused her to abandon her chicks. Thanks to you and the incomparable Mr. Kes the story isn't over, and six beautiful, little chicks grew up strong and healthy! Thanks for sharing this remarkable story.

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

This was such a helpful and informative video of the changes Mrs. Kes was experiencing her last days before her disappearance. Mr. Kes immediately assessed the problem and stepped up to assume both roles. Nature can be harsh. Thank you RF. ✨💖✨

[@Luceforall]

Fancy seeing you here - how lovely :)

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

@@Luceforall 🥰✨💖✨

[@shinjineesen400]

This is the point (late March to early April 2022 when Mrs Kes disappeared and three chicks were taken in to be hand fed) that I started watching update clips regularly.

[@dove4108]

So happy you’re helping the kestrel family🧡it seems Mrs.Kes was worn out or maybe something else with her health but she was a hard working mum.

[@starinthesky1520]

This is truly amazing how the father is trying to adapt to the situation . Thanks for taking care and for sharing

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks there is another video coming out today about the kestrels

[@HunterAlejandro]

Mr. Kes is a great father. 🦅😊

[@SabrinaPhynn]

Thank you for intervening and giving Mr Kes a helping hand. These feisty chicks did great despite their initial struggles. And wasn't it amazing to see how Mr Kes stepped up when Mrs Kes didn't return? We all mourn losing her, but she defended them brilliantly. 🥰

[@FRTPGIRL]

I teared up watching this. Thinking about how broken inside Mrs Kes would have had to have been to leave her six chicks behind when they needed her the most is just heartbreaking.

[@dove4108]

I don’t think Mrs Kes left her chicks purposely, I think she must have had something affecting her health which got worse from the constant stress know about birds

[@FRTPGIRL]

@@dove4108 Really, that's exactly what I meant. I don't believe she ever would have left her chicks unless she was so broken inside mentally, emotionally, and/or physically that she couldn't handle being there anymore.

[@bbiedemcer9710]

Thanks for those helping Hands God Bless🙏💝

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊

[@Sasser2015]

This was an amazing saga to view in real time..... certainly worthy of a video series. Watching Mr. Kes slowly figure things out and transform into Mr. Mom was something to behold.

[@1katmuz]

I recall how heartbreaking and phenomenal this was to watch at the time. Thank you REF for this beautiful footage of the story of Mr and Mrs Kes and their little uns and for all you do

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks 😊 it was very tough time we think so much of our wild neighbours here

[@holylandfan3275]

What a wonderful video. I felt many emotions. Happy, anger, scared, amazement and sadness. It’s incredible how God has given animals such an unbelievable natural instinct to do what they do. Thank you so much.

[@WingofTech]

I’m glad you’re finding ways to help the Kestrels grow up. What a beautiful thing for Mr. Kes to take the wheel

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes 🙌 incredible to see him learn new skills, with some support for me

[@kerrykestrowl6785]

We miss you mrs kes she must be terrified to leave her chicks 🐣 thank you Ref to be so aware

[@judycook4314]

I am so happy that you intervened to help the babies. Poor mama was overwhelmed.

[@vjworld1990]

This is amazing to see how Mr Kes is taking care of the kids. Hope the Mrs Kes comes back home soon. Thanks for your efforts to bring this story to us. 👍🏻

[@oscarsoto8428]

I think the Ms Kes situation was simply a matter of stress. The owls might have been too close to the nest, causing her to be constantly worried. That might be why she left. Gonna go look for Part 2 now!

[@bealynn2258]

ROBERT E.FULLER, Thank YOU for helping these Kestrel chicks!! Also the many, MANY other Animals & Birds etc...you help !! 🙂👍👍💯💖💖🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@yellowpurple600]

I miss Mrs Kes. Wherever you are, you are missed!

[@carolann95]

It's a bittersweet moment and quite an emotional film, but it is nature. Thank you, Mr. Fuller, for intervening with feeding and nest warmth. You are such champion for this family! Mr. Kes is stepping up to do the impossible. The musical score and your narration just breaths life into the documentary. It's truly magnificent! Mrs. Kes, you are deeply missed. 😢❤‍🩹🐥🤎

[@GtotheOria]

Oh poor Mrs. Kes. She's so off balance when she gets back to the nest that final time, I wonder if she crashed and hit her head on something. I've seen birds in my yard wobble like that after hitting the ground either because they fell out of the tree or hit something else. It just takes one good smack on the head to cause deadly damage since birds fly at such high (relatively) speeds, the same thing happens with bats. If they get concussed, they usually do not survive, though it can take a while for them to pass on. I wonder if she tried her best but could tell the end was near, and chose to leave to pass on elsewhere so that her body didn't block the relatively small nest or smother the chicks. Poor mama. I remember reading/watching and seeing that she hadn't returned to the nest, but I hadn't seen the footage of her before she left until now. She just seems badly hurt, internally, because she's wobbling all over the place. Nature can be as cruel as it is beautiful.

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes she definitely wasn’t right before she left I wish I / we new what happened to her

[@TraciPeteyforlife]

Rip Miss Kess, you were a good mother. May you rest in peace.

[@VenezuelaSustentable]

Brave Mrs Kes and Mr Kes! Thanks for this homage, Mr Fuller

[@endospore6465]

Prays out for this single father! Hopefully Mrs. Kess comes back🥹

[@carolynthornton8017]

IN MY VIEW First time seeing an actual "Mr. Mom" job by a bird. Not only is Mr. Kes surprised at his new job...It turned out as unexpected surprise to everyone!

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes he did well with a little help from his friend #me

[@bread4787]

Mr. Kes the single dad taking care of his kids like a good father :)

[@RobertEFuller]

Yes he did so well

[@oksanaoksana2889]

Здоровья вам добрые люди ,которые спасают природу. 🤲🏻🕊️🍀 Спасибо большое вам 🤝🏻

[@CristinaF210]

Mrs Kes is my Queen 👑💕and she'll always be ❤️💕

[@melissaburris7606]

Awww, poor Mrs. Kes. It sounds like she was suffering from PTSD as a result of the repeated attacks. The restlessness, hyper vigilance and odd behavior fits. It seems likely she died from the extreme stress but thanks to you and mr kes, the chicks all survived to adulthood ❤

[@dragunz091]

Rip mrs kes, never ket go me kes, your a legend mr kes and mrs kes

[@cicelybega5419]

Awww Mrs Kes! Wherever you are, I’m sure you are so proud of Mr Kes for stepping up! RIP ❤️

[@mercilessblackwolf4030]

Mr kes is a amazing father he brought somuch food fed and everything wut a good dad

[@Dina21754]

Wow it is hard to be a mother. God bless you

[@mortalclown3812]

Your followers are so dear. I was afraid to see the video until I read these messages. Lovely to see after all. Many blessings to everyone.

[@whatsgoingon2029]

Thank you for the love and care you share with wildlife. Thank you for letting us experience this with you. 🙏☮️💖🌟

[@MM-qb9is]

Thank you so much for the longer detailed video footage to the narrative. Amazing work you do! Lovely to have seen Mr Kes recently!

[@gloriavera7863]

Mr Robert you really have a heart of gold! Watching your video I got so emotional. Keep doing the good good work for these helpless animals

[@annenghaktei5556]

Thank you REF, nature is wonderful. You are an amazing steward for all nature big and small. May you continue to prosper always.

[@blobbertmcblob4888]

"You're not our mom, but you'll do, giant pink hand thing, feed us!"

[@lovepeace4065]

Thank you for taking care of them you’re absolutely wonderful 🙏❤️

[@susanleezer182]

Awe I hope she returns and I hope the chicks make it. Thank you 🙏 Robert

[@Jenjen-qc5eq]

This is better than any tv drama I can't wait to see how well daddy Kres does.

[@jakejordanwildlife532]

Thanks for sharing this incredible story which is also so well put together! One of the most amazing story’s in my opinion on your channel!

[@delilahboa]

God bless you Robert, you’re the best….what a team Mr Fuller and Mr Kes make…..what an incredible story, so many of us felt every moment with you xx💕xx

[@fatimafernandes2660]

Very sad mom just dissappeared but Mr bird is around. Thanks for taking care of the babies. God bless.

[@mukulsharma2413]

Awww, those chicks are my darlings 😘😘😘😘😘😘. Thank you for taking care. you are so kind. 🤗

[@gwenloughman3775]

I'm not judging, ok I am totally judging, but did anyone else wonder where Mr. Kes was until 5.30am?? I needed a big bucket of popcorn and a fizzy drink for that! Loved watching how the little 'uns perked up after some heat.

[@neelanthibongso507]

Mr Robert Fuller tho you. May God Bless you for helping these helpless hungry birds.protect n grant the greatest gift of God in Jesus name.

[@kathyneary7242]

Amazing video.so glad you could help. Sad that mamma is gone she must have been sick. You do such important work thank you for showing the world.💚

[@madmick1013]

Beautiful life that you have and very kind of you to share it with others. I was in Saudi Arabia for over six years, then a year in Japan, and now back home in Vancouver, Canada. I have enjoyed your videos over the years. Thank you.

[@Microbex]

This man is living his life. ☺️

[@alikodinko9158]

O man God bless you !

[@jimbojet8728]

A brilliant vid. I have really enjoyed it. Great to see Mr Kes step up and take care of his babies. He’s a star. Thank you

[@joanholmes3382]

I did enjoy this video and I thank you for your dedication and care for these kestrels.

[@shaybarfield4946]

Wow. That sure was something spectacular! Bless you Sir!

[@aquamanGR]

So glad you intervened, and even more glad you did so just enough, leaving the 3 strongest chicks in the nest.

[@RobertEFuller]

It would have be easy for me to take them all out and hand raise them but I wanted them to stay as wild as possible and keep the male coming back to the nest

[@JesusHernandez-dg3bg]

This is amazing 👏 the while thing, story, footage, editing, the male bird stepping up.. wow fantastic video.

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

Do you think Mrs Kes was killed? This makes me so sad and also so happy. Go Mr Kes!!

[@Borninthe80s.]

She came back but left again she has more than likely died

[@winterxx1555]

@@Borninthe80s. Sad.

[@theerandomdude2375]

She could have even died from either natural causes or had a disease

[@yoliswa5390]

So sad 😔

[@terriharris5268]

Do they mate for life? I know my next comment isn't true but, I did have the thought. (Is she having an affair with a younger male?) I'm just trying to figure out why she would leave, because I don't want her to be sick and dieing!!! ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯¯⁠\⁠(⁠°⁠_⁠o⁠)⁠/⁠¯. But she came back for a few minutes then left again.

[@jackskxllxngtxn]

Wow mr kess flopping around trying to sit on them without hurting them is funny

[@fpcooper95]

I love your longer videos so much, and it's so exciting to see them coming together in real time, in shorts, and in the shorter updates!

[@RobertEFuller]

Thanks it’s a big project keeping you all updated with the wildlife and doing the films You have said exactly what we are trying to achieve so thanks for commenting a box set will be available when the story is complete

[@fpcooper95]

@@RobertEFuller Ooooooo!!

[@haroonlegends567]

Good man. Respect!

[@th51bis]

It was blessed that you help the chicks as I saw the tawny owl too. May God bless you for helping the birds.

[@ponezaw7717]

Thank you Sir Robert for looking after those chicks who are need for help🙏🙏🙏

[@RobertEFuller]

It was my pleasure next episode coming in two weeks

[@technospark2707]

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته🌺🌺🌺🌺اللہ تعالی اپ کو کامیاب فرماے اپ کی محنت پر أمین

[@susancaroline927]

The beauty of this brings me to tears.

[@Hanuman-111]

Thank you for taking care of them 🧡🧡

[@wiekie1969]

Nice work Robert. You are a hero. 👍🥲

[@a.m.h.287]

You are brilliant, Sir!... Mr. Kes reminds me of my father when I was a kid. He did not know how to cook when my mom was away!

[@shadowkiller20]

Thank you for helping the chicks, Mr. Fuller. 🙏

[@RobertEFuller]

It was my pleasure 😊

[@MegaRichymac]

Poor Mrs Kes but a round of applause for Mr Kes for stepping up when he noticed the state of the children.

[@kara.l6168]

Out of all the bird nests on KZbin, MR.Kes is my favorite hero!! 🙌🏼💙👏🏼🙏🏻

[@jimflagg4009]

Mr. Kes is a good father.

[@Zeitschleife.]

thank you for doing this for them

[@susanwest8239]

Thank God you are taking care of them 🙏

[@theresaprice1365]

Thank you Robert you and mr.K are amazing 😻

[@RobertEFuller]

Oh thanks 😊 we always try to help wildlife when we can This was a big job a lot of 4am starts to the day

[@Luceforall]

These birds are so lucky, to have a person like you, Robert! Mr Kes was impressive!

[@richardjohnson5529]

Great Job Robert helping the young Kestrels, do you think you will ever find out what happened to Mrs Kes?

[@HighLandLivings]

Heart touching the view and the kestrels family

[@AvengedPanzer]

Mr. Kes is such a good dad. I hope Mrs. Kes returns soon, it was sad seeing her so distressed and paranoid.

[@amuroray9115]

Beautiful story. Good luck, Mr Kes

[@alexandravladmets8206]

I remember this. What a roller coaster it was! High drama🤍