Well it has been an excellent year for our birds of prey. Following the tawny owls success in rearing three owlets, the kestrels have managed to get all five of their chicks to fledging. They decided to leave the box this week at first sitting on top of it but gradually moving further afield. They are still reliant on the parents for at least another month as they learn how to hunt and fend for themselves. This juvenile was seen in our car park not far from the next box.
Meanwhile we have taken down the owl box and given it clean before putting it back up. No sooner than we had got it back in position, than a pair of stock doves took an interest.
Last year a pair used the box, managing to rear two broods and we suspect they may be the same parents. Stock doves are not as common as wood pigeons. The are slightly smaller and lack the white wings bars and neck patch. Instead they have a beautiful iridescent green sheen on their necks. Nesting materials are very sparse in a stock dove nest, but they've brought in a few twigs and leaves in so we are expecting eggs soon.