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!
It's back again. Maybe the farm team had a karaoke session and wanted to spare a few blushes.
Another unlucky rodent:
LOL! The food is def coming thick and fast! Saw 3 of the chicks preening today, altho they are all still quite sleepy, lots of yawning.
Jo T Always on the side of the feathered guy!
Slow worm for breakfast.
More unruly chick action:
Despite the weather yesterday plenty of food was being brought in-especially in the afternoon once the rain had cleared up a bit. Definetly saw a small bird of some kind brought in as well as a shrew, bank vole and some other kind of rodent. All four chicks appear to be doing well so far!
I'm liking the screen shots Dom!
Hello Sarah.
One of the chicks is especially boisterous this morning:
Flapping its wings like crazy a little earlier.
Morning all, just logged on to a lovely sight - chicks looking lively, and...is it my imagination or have they grown even bigger since yesterday? I was just wondering if any of you have seen the male recently? Every time I catch something happening it's always the one bird. Hope she isn't having to go it alone.
Dad delivered another slow worm or small grass snake maybe?
Think it was a slow worm, seems to be a favourite! Nice to see the little chick holding it's own and getting a good share of the food. One of the big chicks seemed to be more interested in preening than eating! Sounded like Mum and Dad were having quite a chat outside the box before the food came in. Yes mims they def seem to be getting bigger by the day!
Jot, I'm so relieved that you have heard the male. I know it sounds a bit daft but I've been worrying about him - and her!!