The 2018 story of the kestrel in Théding:
A new nest in place at Théding!
In November 2017, a new nest for 'Falcons of Théding' was installed next to the nest used in 2017. This new nest was designed, built and installed by Guillaume Bontemps. This nest is larger and better adapted for nest hawk monitoring via webcam.  Will our falcon couple prefer this new nest and leave the previous nest? Answer in a few moments ... See you soon for the 2018 adventure among the 'Falcons of Théding'!
The return of the hawks for 2018 ...
Since their return (early March 2018), hawks are hesitating between the new nest placed during the winter (nest 01), and the nest used last year, in 2017 (nest 02). Visits are becoming more frequent, approaching the date of laying!
An owl in the nest!
The hawks' nest is pleasing others .... Barnless owls have visited the nest since early April. Whoich will know best to defend its place to nest?
Nest visit
A few days (?) From the laying date, hawks still visit several nests before deciding. In this video, we can observe passages in the nest installed during winter 2017-2018. The webcam is well camouflaged behind a cardboard.
Barn Owl & Kestrel
At night, barn owls visit the nest, during the day, it is the kestrels that pass. (24/04)
Start of the laying!
The first egg was laid on April 25th. Here is the 1st picture. Finally, it's the same nest which was occupied in 2017. To know all the dates of laying. Click on the link below.
Webcams moved!
The webcams have been moved in order to get better angles to film the 2018 adventure of the 'Falcons of Théding'. An indoor webcam allows viewing of the entire nest and then a second outdoor webcam looks at the perch / ledge. Here we can see 2 screenshots of the female and the plan of the nest box. To understand the techniques used to film hawks and visit backstage: click on the button below!
Elimination of an egg
An egg was damaged by the female on April 29; 5 days later, the female decides to eliminate it by eating it.
Full clutch
Since May 6th, the laying is complete (5 eggs). First births are expected around May 28 - June 01. Sign up for the newsletter (at the bottom of the page) so you do not miss anything!
The female absent for 6 hours!
During brooding, it is not normal that the eggs are left without being incubated for more than a few minutes. On May 14, the female leaves with prey brought by the male. As usual, it takes the place on the eggs waiting for the female's return. But, the female is late. The male leaves the nest looking for it. The eggs are left for 2 hours without being incubated until the male returns to the nest to warm the eggs for 30 minutes. Then the eggs are again abandoned for 2 hours. Then, the male remains 1:30 on the eggs until the return of the female. In the meantime, it has been seen on the ground, weakened, probably after an attack from other birds (presumably crows nesting nearby). (14/05)
Arryn and Kaï
Here are the names for the 'Falcons of Théding' which occupy the nest since 2017: Arryn for the female and Kaï for the male!
The first meal
A few minutes after the birth of the first one, the female brings prey (probably hunted by the male) for the meal. We can see the great delicacy of the mother. The mouse is not completely consumed at the end of the session, it is left out.
Preparation of the meal
A bird is plucked before being dissected by the female. The prey will be delicately given to the falcon. (29/05)
Birth of the 5th one but ... Death of a small one
On 01/06, one of the first four falcons died. The mother kept it close by for a long time before setting it aside. In the same day, the 5th egg hatched.
Storms in Théding!
Severe thunderstorms disrupt the life of Théding's kestrels. The female flies to the nest during heavy rainfall. 09/06
Rare passages from the male to the nest
The male has very little contact with falcons. Here we have grouped 4 sequences showing the male in the nest, he does not seem to know how to deal with his offsprings.
Family meal ... or almost
"Kai brings a prey and drops it at the entrance of the nest, but Arryn immediately arrives to pick it up, pushing Kai out, but the biggest of the little ones was faster, it quickly caught the prey from Mom's beak "Arryn feels stupid, so she leaves again." 11/06
The nest attacked during the night!
Like every night, the female watches the entrance to the nest. That night, she suffered a surprise and brutal attack; probably by a barn owl (?) No little ones were injured. The female returned to the camera the next morning.
A falcon in distress ...
A small hawk was taken from the nest on the 13/06 at 11:40. He was in trouble and did not react anymore. Very dehydrated and emaciated, he was taken to a specialized veterinarian (Saint-Avold). We are waiting for news from the chicks. Update of 14/06: the little falcon died despite the care.
New attack of the nest during the night!
The attacker has been identified through this video. During the night, a barn owl attacks the female kestrel which keeps its nest with its young. A similar attack took place on 11/06 (see video 'the attacked nest during the night').
Théding from the sky
In this video, discover the territory of Théding Falcons, their hunting grounds cover many fields, as well as the houses that can accommodate their nest (s). Nice view filmed from an amateur drone by Guillaume B.
1st flight!
The first falcon flew on June 28th. Check out the last moments at 3 at the nest in this video.
The last 2 falcons in the nest
The last two falcons are ready before flight, the parents always bring as much food to the nest.
The return of No. 1!
Probably attracted by the food brought by the parents to the nest, the first falcon flew back to the nest!
Food supply at the nest
It is incredible: the large number of prey brought to the falcons! In this video, you will find sequences showing the two kestrel parents who invest all their energy in feeding their offspring. In this video, we can also see a falcon regurgitating a rejection pellet.
2nd flight
And now, the second falcon flew away; can it be by accident? In any case, everything went well for him, he even returns to the nest some time later.
3rd and last flight
And now, the last little hawk soon followed his elders: he flew away on the 03rd of July. In this video, before discovering the very particular way of the last falcon to fly, you will see the first two flying falcons that make passages to the nest.