So as I suspected the kestrel eggs started hatching as soon as I took time off - they did the same last year and I'm sure they do it on purpose! Anyway, all five eggs hatched and the chicks are currently doing well with dad bringing in food for the female to feed her young.
She will continue to brood for up to 2 weeks before joining the male hunting for food to feed their rapidly growing chicks. The youngsters won't fly until they are just over a month old and even then will still be dependant on their parents for a further month. You can watch their progress live on the TV in our Visitor Centre.
Only half the blue tit eggs in both clutches hatched and we suspect a drop in temperature may have chilled them. However, those that did hatch grew very quickly and they all fledged last week.