Joy and Stress

Common Kestrel

(Eurasian Kestrel)

Shinano River, Niigata, Japan

May/June 2014

These two were doing this the day after their first chick fledged.
I will have to see what becomes of it the weeks ahead.

I first found a family of Common Kestrels nesting at a Cement Factory alongside of the Shinano River, in Niigata back in June, 2005. Every year since they have always been successful at raising young. The first year I watched them, they raised 4 but I have never recalled them have fewer than 3.

I cannot enter the property but I can view with binoculars or telephoto lens from a path alongside the river.

Observations for 2014, as follows:

I had been looking out for them since May, but below are observations since the first chick had left the nest.

Saturday, June 14, 2014. I visited once at about 1:30pm. One chick had left the nest successfully. Two healthy parents.

Sunday, June 15. I visited twice, morning and late afternoon. One chick, two parents, Food captured included a small mammal probably a mouse as well as a sparrow or two. Busy parents.

Monday, June 16. Arrived late, 6:20pm. ( a work day) A wonderful sight: Three chicks successfully out of the nest and exercising. Adult male attacked a cat in long grass in front of my feet. Female warded off nearby crows.

I informed Mr Honma that night.

Tuesday, June 17. I approached the sight at 5:40pm and noticed that the long grass at the side of the river had been cut. Not so many places for the cats to hide. I then met Mr Honma who was about to leave for home. He was upset. Mr Honma had noticed one kestrel was trapped inside a window of a room at the top of a line of silos. He showed me photos he’d taken. I viewed stunningly clear pictures on the back of his D4 then looked at the live scene. At first I couldn’t see anything at the window but as I got closer one kestrel appeared outside the building flying around with a mouse and two chicks seemed to follow it out of sight. I assumed it was an adult and two chicks. We waited a little then we both saw a panicked kestrel inside the room scratching at the window.

Mr Honma explained that he’d gone to the office of the cement factory and explained the situation to them. He said, they told him that the building he mentioned was no longer in use. Mr Honma tried to press the urgency of the situation but told me they were looking at their books. He said he could tell by the tones of their voices they would do nothing. He went back to view the bird at the window but no one out of the office. That was 40 minutes before I got there. I said to Mr Honma that we should both go back to the office and demand they do something. He wouldn’t let me approach them.

Mr Honma waited until 6 but had to go home. I felt sad for him. I told the 77 year old the news of the three chicks for good cheer. The bird in the room again appeared distressed and fluttered at the window but again went out of view. I waited until 6:35. It was a helpless time.

Wednesday, June 18. I arrived before 5pm but things were dull with grey skies. I witnessed what appeared to be 3 chicks huddled together through my binoculars but they separated before I got the camera ready. Was it good news? Another on top of an aerial looked to be adult female. (I’m not confident identifying Common Kestrels as they are much darker than Nankeen Kestrels of Australia)

I concluded that there was one adult female and three fledglings. No sign of adult male. I hoped he was out hunting.

Thursday, June 19.

Adult male seen delivering prey. Family of five seen flying around together briefly.

Friday, June 20.

5 kestrels seen briefly.

(Gap)…

Thursday, June 26.

After 6 pm: One young bird sitting alone on the tower. Same scene the day before. No sign of the rest of the family but I assume the lone remainder is being fed by an adult. One young seems to avoid any attempt at flying.

*Will have to watch out for the last hanger-on.