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!
Morning Michael..on the way down get the coffee ready..
Capturing the Light with an original perspective displayed in every Photograph..perhaps
Pete I thought you were a hot chocolate kinda guy? :-)
Did you know he takes them buns too Dom? Will have to try and join this exclusive Inner Circle but probably too expensive!
Thanks Michael for that, by the time my hols are here at least I will know there won't be any more chicks appearing. Will try to get there over the weekend some time - maybe even bump into you Jot?:-)Think Sunday looks the better weather.
Another big juicy rodent but looked like the rest or maybe another taken out - doesn't seem to store for later, but with plentiful supply obviously prefers fresh food :-) Screen froze so missed looking at the chicks to spot the egg.
Got a good look at the 2 remaining eggs early this am, hope they do hatch. Pudweena just look for the lady using crutches, hurt my knee, off to docs later really still hoping to make it down!
Jo T Always on the side of the feathered guy!
Oh no Jot you poor thing - if you do make it you will be easy to spot though :-) Better reserve a table by the VC and feeders in advance :-)
Brilliant you spotting the 2 eggs again & keeping us up to date.
A large vole and a slow worm have been brought in. Definately 2 eggs left. I thought for a moment there was a third but it was just the angle and light playing tricks!
I think it'll be Sunday for us too, if you do spot me pls come and chat, the hubby and son will prob be wandering around while I sit and take in the scenery! I'll bring a chair then I can stay by the lovely log burner watching the webcam in the VC! Actually sounding better by the minute!
Will do Jot if I see you though not sure what time we will be there and as no children involved it won't be early morning that's for sure :-)
I, too, saw 2 eggs earlier and Dad coming in with yet more food, they are very lucky little chicks and being very well cared for - let's hope it continues. Will be off-line shortly until Sunday so will be wondering what's going on all the time!
Strong black coffee man Dom..espresso or other ..:-)