We have all waited patiently with fingers crossed to see if our pair of buzzards would settle down and raise a family on our webcam nest but after a lot of early activity they seem to gone to somewhere else. So not to worry here at Arne we have always got something else up our sleaves and I am sure a lot of you will remember our kestrel family from last year. They had a brilliant 2011 by succesfully raising four healthy chicks including the smallest one that worried a few people early on.
We have decided to put this nest back online now and you can also come and watch it in the visitor centre. The female is sitting on 5 eggs at the moment and this is the same as last year although one failed to hatch. We are not sure when she laid her eggs as she was already sitting on the 5 when we turned the camera back on a week ago. However we think she is at least 2 weeks earlier than last year and the first chick actually hatched on the 21st May 2011. It is a bit difficult to predict when they will hatch but the female will incubate for about 28. So given this information please feel free to have guesses on dates!
To Watch this webcam online follow the link on our main web page or click here http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/a/arne/webcam.aspx
Don't be confused by the buzzard information still on the page it will be updated in the next couple of days!
Following a preen (earlier) I love the resulting 'dandelion clocks':-)). This was taken at 13.30
13.54 Chick in the box tucks into a slow worm
13.59: An older chick has enjoyed that slow worm. Then a few seconds later he is joined by a fellow sibling.
First the older chick
Then here is the other one...gorgeous:-)
A few seconds later and the youngest turned up....! A big fuss as he/she tried to squash in
First, the 2 chicks have a nap to follow dinner...
....Then... look who's here!
15.13: Popped back to see lunch brought in by the chick (not shared of course)!
Got to go now so happy watching everyone. At 15.58 the box remains occupied with 2 chicks at the front. Perhaps they are reluctant to venture out due to the wind - but that means we can enjoy them more!
Just had last quick peek for today at Arne nest - looks like three settled for the night - better day weather-wise for them tomorrow! My nest in East Kent all quiet too - sighted a chick peeking out this afternoon but no activity outside - no sighting of parent birds all day - bit of a concern
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Tried several times this morning to check for chicks but camera appears not to be working - or is it only me??