Single Kestrel Parent Raises Six Chicks | The Dodo

After defending her nest from several attacks, the kestrel mother mysteriously disappears. Now, this lone father must beat all odds to care for his six chicks. Learning to feed and brood them. With help from @RobertEFuller, watch all six chicks leave the nest!
Special thanks to @RobertEFuller. You can check out his work on Instagram: thedo.do/robertefullerig, TikTok: thedo.do/robertefullertiktok, Facebook: thedo.do/robertefullerfacebook, and Twitter: thedo.do/robertefullertwitter.
To support Robert’s wildlife rescue and conservation work, you can make a donation: thedo.do/robertefullerdonate. To learn more about Robert’s work, you can check out their website: thedo.do/robertefuller.
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[@victoriadiesattheend.8478]

This is incredible. An ornithologist would say that these chicks had no chance....that the male wouldn't know how to feed or brood his chicks. But this one actually figured it out by the catch of the lizard. I felt sad for him when he called out for his mate one last time. I wish she could have stayed. But he did so well all on his own. Beautiful and simple and profound.

[@jasmincass573]

She was stressed

[@maddy8855]

Maybe gave her life to save the chicks...? As she knew there was something out there- and drew it to herself... 😕

[@egosworldegosworld5373]

@@maddy8855 yeah it was that owl

[@mariahmunnis6315]

Remarkable.

[@Abdullah-wi1iy]

@@maddy8855 this aint no movie. she just left

[@gomzy6461]

love how clueless mr kes was once he had to take the role of the mother

[@MarkDemarest]

as we all 😳🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@piperatthegatesofdawn]

​@@MarkDemarest speak for yourself 😂

[@billblaski9523]

Lol when he was trying to brood the chicks

[@BrassLock]

Mr. Kes tried using Mansplaining in the first few days. When that didn't work he tried the typical reverse-engineering all Single DIY Dads use to solve problems, and it worked.😊

[@metalcatmom5891]

He was confused, but he was persistent and figured it out!

[@huntercool2232]

4:56 I love how they stopped chirping and stared in disbelief as their sibling flew off 💀💀

[@heatherhicks2983]

" what the hell did jimmy just do? " " I have no clue dude. "

[@CanadianFitted]

🦅 😮

[@user-mm9cd7tc3w]

"Where'd he go?"

[@DianSierra]

HE'S GONE

[@nfullenwider]

It's totally me, but the 6th kestrel has a sentimental look, like he's taking one last look at his bedroom before he heads to college.

[@martainrainbows]

You’ll be happy to know that the sixth chick, called Jeff, returned to that same nest this spring with his mate Jenny and now they’re parenting three strong and healthy chicks! Today he has also fed the babies just like his father did 💕

[@louzo5175]

​@@martainrainbows thats amazing!!

[@sunitasopra]

@@martainrainbows thats amazing!

[@dustintacohands1107]

Yes he did seem to like the place

[@dad4ever-c90]

No father really knows how HARD it is to raise kids, until he is knee-deep in it. Experience is a great teacher. Doing it alone, whether a bird or a human, is incredible!

[@huetuber1204]

Bullshit. THere are single fathers out there who knows how hard it is. You just going to sit there and invalidate them?!

[@minori6375]

or mother

[@isabelamogosanu7777]

@@minori6375 i was gonna say this reminds me of wolf children. widowed mom has to learn to care for her 2 werewolf babies, amazing movie.

[@claude13]

@@isabelamogosanu7777 that movie will always make me cry

[@sophialima7504]

⁠@@isabelamogosanu7777What’s the movie called?

[@linda6987]

You must be a proud father also. Thank you for helping the baby chicks. I’m so very envious of your life! It’s magical! ♥️

[@Ceo2323ue]

It’s not magical it’s love,wake up to reality

[@linda6987]

Hey Rouge - shut the hell up. I’m talking about Mr. Fuller’s life being magical. I guess you need everything explained to you. I’m based in reality. You my dear cannot read.....

[@lium24]

@@Ceo2323ue???

[@AxolyTheAxolotl]

​@@lium24 Love, you know

[@ambientwishwalker8908]

I can't live my life with more than 2 babies

[@NicoleBruceArt]

My husband named himself after these birds. He passed away suddenly this spring and seeing this video brought me some much needed joy. They are wonderful little birds.

[@MLIrons]

Sorry for your loss. But, I am glad you are finding some joys and along side the mourning.

[@drhexagonapus]

I'm very sorry for your loss

[@Jaimesgaming]

I'm sorry for your loss 🙏🕊

[@FrankBoston]

Much love to you

[@AxolyTheAxolotl]

Sorry for your loss, your husband will rest in beautiful place

[@atlantabrooklyngal]

The Kestrel chicks have two dads. 😁 I love that the dad stepped up to the plate and figured things out. He could have abandon them as well, but he didn't. Thank you for helping the little birdie family.❤

[@DDDDDDD34]

Yeah I didn't think of that. It's cute 😊

[@atlantabrooklyngal]

@@DDDDDDD34 😁

[@Corneelius]

Oh is this like an update?

[@cryptill0622]

@@CorneeliusI believe they’re referring to how the narrator of this video stepped in to help the chicks, acting as a second father to the weaker ones!

[@christinenolan1418]

Happy belated Fathers Day, Mr Kes and to you. It’s wonderful to see he’s taken on the role of mom to his babies. Thank you for sharing and for caring.

[@Jason-gg4lm]

The bird won't see this

[@memelordmeno8400]

​@@Jason-gg4lmNAHH REALLY

[@tomashorst9544]

​@@Jason-gg4lmsurely you must be the life of the party wherever you go

[@diegomoreno7760]

​@@Jason-gg4lm no way sherlock

[@endiecutie06]

@@Jason-gg4lm WOAH HOLY CRAP I DIDNT KNOW THAT WHOA

[@impracticalnuke]

Look at how happy the lil kestrel looks when he got to fly up that branch to see his dad, flapping his wings like "DAD, CHECK THIS OUT!"

[@Nirrrina]

And then the next DAD LOOK AT ME TOO & the next I can do it too. Dad: eck!! I'm being overrun retreat retreat! Uh oh good job kids.

[@VeraxFriends]

At 4:57 Anyone else just see the awe and excitement on that chick's face when joining his father? He's like: OH MY GOD DAD LOOK I DID IT I FLY ❤ So fricken wholesome

[@user-xi1xy4tq9b]

He's asking for food

[@toxicpenguin7167]

more like FEED ME FEED ME FEED ME

[@rosenrot234]

While cute. That reaction from the baby is "DAD WHERE ARE YOU GOING? IM HUNGRY." so he followed Mr Kes lol

[@ContilGarden]

"hey look at that you managed to fly- "FEED ME FATHER"

[@VeraxFriends]

@@ContilGarden lol

[@magpye5623]

This Kestrel Dad is so smart!! The way he was able to realize his kids couldn’t eat and had to problem solve to keep them alive is amazing. Just took him a bit

[@MiSSkOCALiNA]

Please don’t tell me I’m the only one bawling their eyes out…

[@daisyelmir1289]

You're not.🌼💧

[@mariacheung647]

I know 😢😢

[@fetlock]

Nope

[@jerseycatmews828]

I was invested in those, OUR six chicks too 🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣😭

[@iNanieke]

Same

[@type4724]

Well done Mr Kes..great parenting and help from Mr Robert Fuller makes you a remarkable DAD to your beautiful chicks Bravo to all single Dad 🎉

[@aldrinmilespartosa1578]

A novice yet determined single father and a caring uncle, those kids are in good hands.

[@cherylrleigh1912]

To all the male kestrels who learned to feed their chicks. Happy Father's Day. 💕💕💕💕

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

Robert Fuller is a top videographer and his videos are always a must-watch.

[@renatoigmed]

I ended up subscribing to your channel and was impressed with the quality of his videos which are on par compared to the big pay TV media producers.

[@Cy93]

And a great artist aswell 😄

[@nigelft]

I place him in the same league as Simon King, and Sir. David Attenborough ...

[@fjnagel5454]

​@@nigelftyeah, Attenborough would be proud, though I'm sure he knows of Roberts work. And Attenborough's work is not easily matched. For single person to pull of content that matches a BBC or NatGeo production, is absolutely crazy to me.

[@AniFam]

Such a hardworking devoted father~👍 Thank you for helping him take care of his little ones~🤗

[@jhevier]

This is one of the best videos I have ever watched on KZbin. The guy commentating and taking care of the birds is wonderful

[@janetstephens9563]

Robert Fuller is the most amazing wildlife photographer and artist I’ve ever seen. His beautiful videos are magical and feed the soul. ❤️

[@Craftlngo]

he has his own channel here on youtube. Also with 24/7 cameras for several nestboxes. Not only for kestrels but also for different Owls

[@AxolyTheAxolotl]

Same, I really like the information of ALL birds I wish I have a book that is the identification birds. But my mom said no

[@PancakemonsterFO4]

Sometimes you have to learn on the go what it means to be a good parent

[@OshineTheOranguTANK]

this was very interesting being able to watch this dad figure out his kids weren't eating and realized he needed to cut the food up and feed them. I love seeing non instinctual parents showing actual care for their offspring. Most birds I feel would run off and not bother with helping these chicks.

[@floragirl222]

Thank you, Robert Fuller, for helping the baby chicks. It was heartwarming to see them grow stronger and being reunited with their family 🙏

[@CryseIIe]

If you wanna know more about Mr. Kes, Mr. Fuller has his own channel and more documentaries about this story. Spoiler alert: Mrs. Kes did return to the nest days later, but only stopped by at the entrance and never entered. She was acting more strange and could have probably been injured presumably by the neighboring tawny owl(s). After stopping by, she then flew off and was never seen again. There could be a high chance she succumbed to her injuries, but no body was found nearby. So, it could also be speculated that due to the stress of constant home invasions and nest rivalries, she abandoned the nest. But the truth will never be known because again, there had been no sightings of her since.

[@iNanieke]

The fact that she was still alive after her dispute with the tawny owls, does give me hope. But unfortunately birds are so good at hiding injuries until it's basically over. Hopefully she found her luck elsewhere, in peace. 😊

[@samanthabarrow5863]

This is sad, poor Mr and Mrs Kes. Thank you for telling us

[@gem9535]

Those three youngest will never forget their long visit with their weird human uncle 😂

[@katielee3856]

What a smart bird! Even after his own wife decided she’s leaving, he still continues to care for his babies. ❤

[@janesigabaro7593]

She didn’t decide to leave like how you’re thinking. She probably died.

[@allison4970]

Belated happy father's day to Mr. Kes turned Mr. Mom!! ❤

[@agirlnamedbrett.]

I felt for the dad as he called for his mate having no idea why she just up and left. I will never tire of watching animals and all they do, the never stop being awesome.

[@kestrelguyon1626]

I’ve never seen such intimate footage of this amazing bird of prey. What an amazing job you did jumping in as a second father. Even more proud of my name now

[@squareggs]

Good to see the smallest (Jeff) about to be a father himself, such a good role model in Mr Kes ❤

[@LarryJames-fv7gh]

Hello pretty can we be friends?

[@hircenedaelen]

@@LarryJames-fv7gh don't be a creep

[@VerminCrusher3010]

​@@LarryJames-fv7ghthis ain't a dating site weirdo

[@patbowman6723]

Incredibly beautiful and heart warming. Single dads way to go. I do wondeer where the mom went. Thanks for showing us this.

[@sb5062]

The mother (Mrs. Kes) was said to have sadly been killed by a predator because she was no longer going around the area. Now sadly (Mr. Kes) the father is no longer seen around the territory. On a side note, one of the male babies now has a partner and has chicks of his own!

[@patbowman6723]

@@sb5062 Thanks Very interesting.

[@DaveMediaTV]

Congratulations to Mr. Robert E. Fuller for being featured here in the Dodo KZbin channel. I have been fallowing his channel for a while now. His channel and his documentary about birds is indeed very educational to watch. I hope more and more people will watch his videos on his channel.

[@contact___info]

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[@iNanieke]

Yes I was happily surprised to see him on the dodo! 🎉

[@caroledwards1182]

So awesome that Mr, Kes was willing to step up and take care of his babies. You always do an amazing job with your videos, you have a lovely voice and do a great job narrating.

[@leosag816]

5:55 Thank you for bringing a smile to me first thing. Bravo to Papa Kestrel & the wonderful Mr. Robert E Fuller, proper midwife

[@moomoo-bv3ig]

Midwife is sweet 😍

[@LucaBlightOfHighland]

This story is bittersweet, funny and sad at the same time, like a good commedy.

[@joannemichel7264]

It’s like the last bird had to have one last look at his home before moving on. Well done papa bird and thank you for helping to care for this beautiful family 😊❤️🤧

[@martainrainbows]

You’ll be happy to know that the sixth chick, called Jeff, returned to that same nest this spring with his mate Jenny and now they’re parenting three strong and healthy chicks! Today he has also fed the babies just like his father did 💕

[@joannemichel7264]

That’s amazing. ❤️😊😭

[@alanguages]

Both parents are needed, and it was unfortunate, the mother kestrel abandoned her chicks. Father kestrel did great and may his grown up kestrel chicks create a family of their own.

[@Just_Pele]

Pretty sure she was killed by the owls.

[@alanguages]

@@Just_Pele How can you be so sure? A mother bird of prey stays in the nest to take care of the chicks, while the father bird brings the food home. Similar to the tawny owls.

[@moomoo-bv3ig]

@alanguages Watch the beginning again, the owls were after her and might have killed her.

[@Just_Pele]

@@alanguages Did you even watch the whole video?

[@alanguages]

@@moomoo-bv3ig I saw the beginning, but she flew off and did not come back, when an owl was outside. The only thing I can think of was, she distracted the owl to prevent it from getting to the nest, and she sacrificed herself.

[@renebates8090]

I absolutely love this video, since I am a big fan of the Kestrels. Thank you for helping dad make it. The odds were stacked against him but he did it. So awesome......❤😊

[@chanjessiet]

Mr Kestrel is a wonder father. It tears me up.

[@AmberU]

Its sad mom left but its wonderful that he figured it out! Thank you for the human guardian to help him along!

[@avefirriwa274]

I love how he does intervene with the problem but still lets nature take its place❤❤

[@FeNaKCm]

Wow well done Mr. Kes. You did amazing job 👏 I thought the mama would back because she was hunting. But she was not return. What a great Papa you are Mr. Kes! Such a admirable and remarkable father. Thank you kind-hearted Human! And for Dodo as well. Never fail to touch my heart again

[@krististarosta6736]

You’ve done well, Mr. Kes!💖💖💖💖💖

[@purplesquirrel8820]

Thank you for respecting their lives 💜

[@SheilaR.08]

Mr and Mrs Kes! They fought so hard for their babies. You will both be missed, and your legacy lives on. 💜

[@iNanieke]

What happened to Mr Kes?

[@robertoprestigiacomo253]

@@iNanieke Last December Robert (the man in the video) reported that it had been weeks since he had last seen Mr Kes and he didn't think he would see him again (which he didn't) so chances are Mr Kes died. In that same period he had started courting another female and it's unlikely he just moved to a different territory.

[@iNanieke]

@@robertoprestigiacomo253 That really breaks my heart 😢💔 I know it's just how nature works but we get so attached to these individuals right? Thanks for updating me!

[@JomnCT]

​@@iNanieke If you want some heartwarming news, one of Mr. Kes's chicks (the youngest, last one to fledge) named Jeff had taken over his dad's nesting sites and is successfully raising a clutch of 4 with his new mate!

[@AryaTiwari91]

​@@JomnCT😊 really good news

[@artwithtatter1277]

5:01 the pure excitement of the chick as if saying "DAD I JUST FLEW"

[@tarapaudel4293]

They look very beautiful when they fly first and joined their father on the branch.

[@seatherny_y]

5:03 I can't help but imagine th little guy saying "Hey dad look I did it!!"

[@M4Inchan]

5:27 “We were being watched the whole time?!”

[@avocado3-in-182]

It’s nice to see a dad helping another dad. ❤️ belated happy father’s day

[@terramater]

A chick's life is def not easy! Such a sweet story. Our crew got on camera adorable little ducklings that had their nest in a tree. The challenge for them is that they need to follow their mum, that's on the ground waiting for them. The tricky thing is that they can't fly! It's really fascinating to see how they are able to survive!

[@anonymous9722]

Happy Father's day, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Kestrel! ❤

[@Gamerafighter76]

Being a single dad with a lot of mouths to feed must be tough; good thing Pa Kestrel was there for his babies and figured it out. Good on him and the wildlife guy for raising those babies.

[@rosenrot234]

This is still one of my fav animal stories. Being a single dad is tough. Human or bird.

[@nicoleashkewe2100]

They all look so excited to fly the first time lol and yes he took over stumbling but then stepped up amazingly 👏🏽

[@LarryJames-fv7gh]

Hello 👋 can we be friends?

[@crossanddream2]

I'm happy that the dad tried his best at being an amazing father, it's amazing how despite struggling and being left alone with 6 chicks. He doesn't give up, and is able to learn how to provide for the chicks like the mom would do the best he could. For anyone wanting the full story, the owner of the vidoe shown is Robert E Fuller that's his channel name, you can search up Mr & Mrs kes and the video qill most likely pop up. And he doesn't say what happened to the mother kes buts its assumed that she ended up dying since she was being harassed by owls, which in this video it shows the owl.

[@hera7884]

I know we’re not supposed to help wild animals, but thank you for saving those babies. I’m glad someone’s kindness has enough capacity to overcome fear.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Kestrels are such beautiful raptors! I actually have an American Kestrel tattoo. So wonderful that daddy Kestrel did such a good job trying to be a single parent and that the human naturalist, helped the babies! They are such little beauties. 💕

[@SShiJie]

took me awhile to realise its a father's day special

[@Bunneh8002]

2 Proud Dads ❤❤ And 6 Adorable Chicks

[@SweetUniverse]

Happy father's day to Robert Fuller!

[@bruh-rg7vd]

5:19 as the youngest child of three with one sister in college and the other about to graduate high school, yup

[@user-to8pb1tu9j]

難しい撮影ありがとうございます生き物の尊厳を守る人々はとても素晴らしいアレルヤリルヤ

[@Pemulis1]

So glad this guy stepped in to help.

[@timhensley3695]

Best daddy ever ❤

[@oneantihero]

Happy Father's day to this amazing dad

[@quicktastic]

Dad is a good hunter as well as a loyal parent.

[@fernandovalenzuela4702]

The beauty of life ! Adapting is the perfect word, the Father adapted to something he's never done & gave life into his kids .

[@morningmona]

This is so amazing. Animals also learn and adapt to situations they can think critically and don’t just act by instinct. What an amazing and responsible dad. Better than some humans!!!! As the days, so shall your strength be.

[@Dimension2364]

I have seen a lot of dodo videos and I think this one really stands out: It features somebody who is really experienced with wildlife. He is has compassion for these animals AND he is able to support them with competence. Mr. Fuller is actually able to help these animals by providing minimal and effective support - keeping them mostly within their natural habitat were they are able to life and develop as they should. I really really loved to see this video!

[@willieholland1524]

Thank you for sharing this absolutely wonderful happening. Yea for Mr. Kes and his babies 🩷💜💙🩵💚💛🧡💝

[@TheInfinityMaster1]

Wow... Seeing the male Kestrel (aka "Mr. Kes") *learning* how to feed his babies is so *mind-blowing* to me. Great video!

[@annjohnson8437]

Wow! This was a touching and extremely interesting video. Thank you for helping these beautiful birds survive! ❤

[@LarryJames-fv7gh]

Hello pretty 😍 can we be friends?

[@sb5062]

​@@LarryJames-fv7ghdude what 💀

[@AshleyPaquin1]

Mr. Kes is a superhero 🙌🏼

[@suzannecarter445]

Wonderful story! Robert never fails to impress with his appreciation of wildlife and his reasoning regarding just how much intervention, if any, is needed.

[@LarryJames-fv7gh]

Hello pretty 😍 can we be friends?

[@bethanysmith5856]

It was nice that Robert helped with feeding the chicks from time to time that he was watching with the intention to try and keep them wild and alive. Yeah those 3 he temporary took likely wouldn't have survived if he hadn't.

[@shinytia9089]

Man it's 5am and I haven't slept yet and now my eyes are teary, that made me feel emotional out of nowhere :']

[@mjremy2605]

That was so enjoyable! You are my hero, Robert! You saved those babies. They would have surely died if not for you. What a gift. Thank you! Happy Father's Day, Robert! 💐🥰❤

[@spursphil81]

Brilliant video and very well done to yourself and mr kes for all your hard work. Thank you.

[@fjnagel5454]

Robert is one of the most unique channels out there, with unparalleled detail and quality. Absolutely therapeutic, educational and absolutely stunning. Huge recommendation!!!

[@joeywheeler9074]

Shoutout to all the single fathers out there.

[@SimonaZtepila]

Děkuji za vaši péči ❤

[@chinnyrox2022]

Superb job made by Mr. Kes and foster dad?!!👏 Absolutely adorable!! 💕🥺

[@DancerGirl-24]

I love how the chicks watch the first chick who took the leap and joined dad! Thanks for taking care of them, Mr. Fuller!

[@zbing6693]

It hurts my heart to hear that the mom just abandoned her chicks when times got tuff😢

[@RobertEFuller]

She wouldn't have abandoned her chicks - she must have passed away due to injury or ill health.

[@julavaughs1137]

Greetings from barbados 🇧🇧 mr. Fuller thank you for assting mr. Kes.

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

Thank you Robert. It was a phenomenal moment to see Mr. Kes carry on without his mate. Very heartwarming. ✨💖✨

[@johntaylor-lo8qx]

Gr8 show. Seems women and men leave in every species leaving 1 parent to look after the kids. This one hit close to home for me. Ty for this. I really needed to see this right now. ❤

[@jinnij.caiman]

Poor guy, it’s amazing they have such a strong instinct to care for their chicks. I bet he was one tired daddy.

[@HeyitsDee]

Happy Belated Father's Day, Mr. Kes! Well done!

[@Fabulousprofound168]

Belated Happy Fathers Day Mr. Kes. You earned it.

[@rutger8655]

Love how they all managed to enter adulthood. At the same time, it saddens me greatly to know the chicks won’t remember their parents or siblings. The bond just disappears all of a sudden.

[@augustseven9243]

That's a really good dad. Dad's are so important. I wish humans recognized how important they really are.

[@hitman_flam3319]

I LOVE ROBERT E FULLER!! SO glad to see his lovely channel and all the care he puts into his work get more recognition

[@SuperBoss351]

Happy fathers day to you both. Great job helping and saving those beautiful birds..cheers💛💛💛

[@nicoleborgescordeiro1784]

I lived the same experience as this man! I took care of two baby doves that only had their father... I fed them in the late afternoon and kept them warm at night, because during that period their father disappeared, but early in the morning I woke up to his singing and gave the babies for him again. I repeated this for 30 days. Almost 15 months later, my babys still show up in my yard waiting for food and even eat out of my hand. The oldest even brings his wife and she eats out of my hand too! And they've already had three litters and bring them to eat in my yard! Nature is incredible!

[@purehyper124]

Wow such a devoted father.

[@xpndblhero5170]

I wouldn't give Mr Kess all the credit now.... You helped them and I'm sure they remember you for it. This is why sometimes people find wild animals that aren't aggressive towards humans but they also don't prefer their company.... Hopefully they stick around and give you a chance to see their kids. 😊❤

[@jules-marcdavis6843]

Any idea as to where momma kes went? With the owl issue was she dinner? So sad she didn't return. It felt a bit like watching Bambi. Way to go Papa you did great with the babies, not losing a single one thanks to your human friend. Happy Father's Day ❤️

[@diwatans5556]

Yes unfortunately she killed

[@moomoo-bv3ig]

I think thats what happened good observation

[@chiclids]

Now that is amazing well devoted father is and learned how to care for his own chicks.

[@shulamite7940]

Wow! What a wonderful look at the babies and you and Mr. Kes taking care of all of them! You do amazing and wonderful work! thank you for sharing so much of nature's beauty with all of us!!!

[@contact___info]

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