Monday 19 April 2010

Nesting Kestrels

A pair of Kestrels (Faucon crécerelle, Falco tinnunculus) have taken up residence in Aspiran and appear to be eyeing up a nest site through a gap high up on the village church wall.

As originally and incorrectly posted here, these are not the rare Lesser Kestrels that have colonised the nearby village St Pons-de-Mauchiens.


One would hardly know of their presence if it wasn't for the frantic screeching (chai-chai-chai) that seems to be part of their bonding behaviour. While most of the time they're presumably away hunting they court and preen on this TV aerial, especially early morning and evening.


The pair seem quite young from the plumage and size - I estimate them to be around 24 cm head to tail given the width of this drain pipe is 11 cm.