Five Fledglings Depart The American Kestrel Nest

The American Kestrel nest box in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is officially empty! After an eventful week of wing-flapping, raucous feedings, and sibling disputes, all five female chicks have fledged. A frenzy of fledging activity began on day 30 of the nestling period, when three chicks took their first flights within 90 minutes of each other on the morning of June 13. The final two chicks followed suit on June 14 and 15, wrapping up the excitement. Watch a supercut of all five fledges above!

Even though the adults are now empty nesters, their work isn’t finished yet. Young kestrels depend on their parents for food for up to 12–14 days while they improve their flight skills and learn to hunt for themselves. The fledglings will stick close to one another for a few weeks, often forming small groups with other juveniles as they grow more independent. Eventually, the young kestrels will disperse in search of their own territories.

Here’s to wishing the best for this season’s fledglings as they enter the next stage! Thanks to our collaborators at the Raptor Resource Project and our viewers for making it possible to share their story. We look forward to watching with you again in 2025!