Monday 17 June 2013

St Justinian Kestrel Progress Report

Six days ago, on 11th June, Paddy Jenks performed his annual rope-hanging spectacular over the side of the cliffs north of St Justinian. He found, and ringed, two chicks.

Paddy commented upon the size of the eldest of the two nestlings. He called it a "bruiser". It weighed-in at 319grams - the heaviest kestrel he has ringed. He would normally expect them to be in the range of 270 - 280grams.

The attached pictures, taken earlier today, shows the female (leg band P47) standing ahead of her sibling (P46). When we asked Paddy why this should be, he replied - "he needs to lose weight before he can fly!"

 
They can be expected to fledge any day now. If either bird is spotted away from the St Justinian "arena", Paddy would like to hear from you.
 
John and Marion