I think my assumption that only two of the three nestling Australian Kestrels had fledged needs to be reassessed. Passing the nest site earlier this week I was surprised, and pleased, to see three birds perched together. All three looked like juveniles, with distinct markings on the wing coverts and back.
Juvenile Australian Kestrels, Moolort Plains, 5th February 2013.
What a great result!
Kestrel dexterity!
Hi Geoff, this is really good news.
I’ve seen in one nest in a year or so back, the Male, take the stronger of the young further away down the paddock and it didn’t hunt with the two smaller birds. Perhaps to relieve the pressure on the female and the local hunting for the young. (He still kept them supplied with food for a week or so however.)
They really do look the part don’t they perfect little replicas. Great to see.