Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

NB - Whilst the purpose of this blog was initially designed to cover our nationally important wildfowl ringing activities, it now also features wildlife and work posts, explaining how we manage the NNR for both wildlife and people.

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Wednesday 20 July 2016

15/07/16 - Kestrel success

Last summer, following a kind invitation from the landowner, we were able to access a new Kestrel site in Bubwith. The owner made contact after a single chick had fallen from the box, on inspection the box was found to be rotten, with holes appearing, as well as being full to bursting with old nesting material, pellets and general detritus following many years of use – however six large and almost fledged young were somehow squeezed in – pictured below.

 



Earlier this spring prior to the breeding season, and as promised last year, we arrived with a replacement box with the other one unlikely to be fit for another season. We took down the existing box and replaced it with a slightly bigger and ‘roomier’ one. We also transferred a little bit of the old nesting material out of the original box into the new one to make the Kestrels feel more at home straight away. Other than initially having to fend off a pair of interested Jackdaws, everything worked out brilliantly for the pair of Kestrels, with them soon making themselves at home. On our visit recently we arrived to find a healthy brood of four tucked away in the back of the box - and in no danger of falling out - a brilliant result and many thanks again to the owners for keeping a close eye on this pair.

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