Single Kestrel Parent Raises Six Chicks | The Dodo

[@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.

[@Caljay213]

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

[@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]

🦅 😮

[@KRISTELANGELIQUEBELO]

"Where'd he go?"

[@TheDianMan]

HE'S GONE

[@Venesa-hl7rq]

What sorcery is this..?

[@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

[@TheTyke]

Definitely wasn't you, Animals think and feel and he did give a sentimental look back, especially evidenced by the fact he later returned to use that nest himself.

[@gomzy6461]

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

[@MarkDemarest]

as we all 😳🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@TheBatman-1989]

​@@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!

[@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?!

[@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?

[@ADom0]

@@sophialima7504they said its called wolf children (in their comment) its an anime movie

[@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! ♥️

[@Aytoi201]

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]

@@Aytoi201???

[@Ericqua]

​@@lium24 Love, you know

[@ambientwishwalker8908]

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

[@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

[@1HPSmurf]

MrKes should be a role model for all single fathers out there. Confused but never lazy and always devoted to his kids. ❤❤❤

[@ArtsAndNicole]

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

[@Ericqua]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@aldrinmilespartosa1578]

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

[@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

[@Настоящее.имяНастоящая.фамилия]

He's asking for food

[@stranger_sarah]

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

[@VeraxFriends]

@pizzaknight707 lol

[@VeraxFriends]

@@rosenrot234 XD

[@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 🎉

[@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.

[@floragirl222]

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

[@MiSSkOCALiNA]

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

[@daisyelmir1289]

You're not.🌼💧

[@mariach46]

I know 😢😢

[@fetlock]

Nope

[@jerseycatmews828]

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

[@iNanieke]

Same

[@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

[@Ericqua]

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

[@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.

[@PancakemonsterFO4]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@tatter_vroom]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@shadowlibrarian400]

Might’ve been the owl.

[@gem9535]

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

[@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

[@cherylrleigh1912]

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

[@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]

📩📩Text

[@iNanieke]

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

[@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......❤😊

[@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.

[@AmberU]

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

[@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

[@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 😍

[@avefirriwa274]

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

[@LucaBlightOfHighland]

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

[@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. 😊

[@Ferven7]

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

[@hafirenggayuda]

Man..just like real life, sometimes we can't tell why some people choose to disappear.

[@avocado3-in-182]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@skaianDestiny]

​@@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]

​@@skaianDestiny😊 really good news

[@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!

[@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!

[@plaidpanda]

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

[@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.

[@8PurpleSquirrels]

Thank you for respecting their lives 💜

[@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.

[@M4Inchan]

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

[@yixiuchan]

This was breathtaking and hope-inspiring beyond words! Thank you for witnessing (and lending a gentle handle) this family’s journey and sharing it with us! ❤

[@seatherny_y]

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

[@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 💀

[@spursphil81]

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

[@anonymous9722]

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

[@ladythalia227]

I hope Mr. Kes finds a new mate for this year’s breeding season ❤ He will be an awesome partner and father for his new chicks.

[@krististarosta6736]

You’ve done well, Mr. Kes!💖💖💖💖💖

[@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! 💐🥰❤

[@SimonaZtepila]

Děkuji za vaši péči ❤

[@fjnagel5454]

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

[@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?

[@NinjaStroll]

Happy Father's day to this amazing dad

[@tbascoebuzz4782]

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

[@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. 💕

[@rosenrot234]

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

[@ReadwithChimey]

Beautiful! Thank you for intervening to help out! Btw, I felt like I was listening to a storybook. Absolutely a beautiful story!

[@willieholland1524]

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

[@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

[@Fenerforlife]

I was trying to find a comment like this!

[@janadogan-qy7ci]

Thank you for your love of nature and taking care of some of the chicks. This was such a beautiful story. I loved it and it made me happy. Thank you to all the good dads in the world for stepping up.

[@bruh-rg7vd]

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

[@yvonnelewis4888]

Well done good sir. Thank you for all your efforts to save these beautiful birds. Their first flight is a testament to the excellent care of Mr. Kestrel and yourself. Thank you again, Your video is beautiful & heartwarming.

[@Lion_wcue12]

0:50 no idea how to feed them” real life dads?💀

[@demiannad]

This was such an interesting and astounding story! Glad I stumbled upon it, and super happy they actually made it with just the dad

[@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?

[@chanjessiet]

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

[@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. ❤️😊😭

[@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. ❤

[@みやこ鈴木-z5n]

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

[@SweetUniverse]

Happy father's day to Robert Fuller!

[@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.

[@xyz7572]

Yes!! Robert E Fuller’s channel is amazing, I’m glad The Dodo is sharing it 😊

[@TheInfinityMaster1]

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

[@saadshayanahmed]

This is such a beautiful documentary Crafted with love His intervention made so that the chicks were well fed and warm - Love the effort you guys put in!

[@Bunneh8002]

2 Proud Dads ❤❤ And 6 Adorable Chicks

[@mortalclown3812]

Robert, this is one of my favorite of your videos. Thank you for your keen eye and big heart.

[@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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[@lindabrokaw7552]

How wonderful of you to help these adorable birds.

[@katymay2611]

That was amazing 👏 ❤😊 what a wonderful experience and a blessing they all survived to venture out on their own.

[@bidarade7736]

This brings tears to my eyes. What a fantastic father

[@__A_A]

I love these type of videos! Things I would never have the opportunity to see, thanks so much!

[@michellemyallen]

You care for the helpless and make them mighty! Thank you for giving when you are called!!

[@alittlebreak6370]

2:27 It really sounds like he's saying "Hey dear, where are you? Heey!"

[@FrankBoston]

Most touching video I've seen in years. I have no words....

[@HeyitsDee]

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

[@patmctallica3522]

This is much more authentic and well done! Not always this cute cats, dogs and human babies compilations! Real life, real support! 👍

[@Artella02]

So happy to see they got a little help along the way

[@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.

[@augustseven9243]

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

[@Fabulousprofound168]

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

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

You are a lovely man with a very soothing voice. That was an absolute pleasure to watch.