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!
No Wendy, 2 just popped in! :-)
Make that 3!!!
just went back to check after I posted and saw what you saw - took pics but cannot post them because website is having a major wobbly - will try again tomorrow!!
Thanks, really frustrated now, want to get back to my birding activities! Missed a Hobby at Pulborough a couple of weeks ago Chris and Cal has gone on their own :-(
Jo T Always on the side of the feathered guy!
can I be really nosy and ask why you are incapacitated?? Of course you don't have to tell me and I won't be offended
Just switched on and see one in the box. I'm not incapacitated Wendy, just lots going on and other pursuits/hobbies too :-)
forgot to put name in - that message was for Jot! I see the one in the box pudweena - bit early dark tonight so no pics!!
I tore the cartilage in my knee, had op now but also damaged one of my cruciate ligaments which is complicating things and making recovery much longer. Can't even make it round to North Hide at Radipole at the moment. So the webcams have become essential viewing. Very jealous of your live view Wendy!
sorry to hear that Jot but don't they say that repaired cruciate ligaments are stronger than ever - will wish that for you! I am very privileged aren't I - good views of parent & chick today - chick was posing on top of telegraph pole for ages - lovely to look at especially through binos - all I need now is a better camera with more zoom to capture images - shame I can't afford telephoto lenses and all that!!
My hubby has all 'the kit' but when you have it you always want that better lenses etc! I've also been watching Kestrels on Dorset Wildlife Trust website, who fledged yesterday, well there is one left! Having serious withdrawal from Arne Kestrels, nice to see them occasionally tho. Off to Minsmere weekend after next for the first time, really excited!