Athena and Apollo are an incredible pair of wild kestrels about to be first-time parents together. This fantastic wildlife video reveals the resilience and teamwork of these stunning predatory birds.
After laying five eggs, Athena and Apollo take turns sitting on the nest, waiting for their new chicks to arrive. While one keeps the eggs warm, the other flies off to hunt for food.
One by one, the eggs hatch. Little fuzzy chicks emerge, and the new kestrel parents are enthralled by their tiny offspring. The nest is covered with newborn feathers creating a cozy environment.
However, the avian parents don’t just sit and snuggle with their babies. Athena is a fierce mom. She chases off potential threats to her babies on a couple of occasions.
Barn owls and mourning doves are not welcome guests, and Athena clarifies that. Apollo also does a fantastic job as a new father by providing warmth and food for his babies.
As these hatchlings grow, they will continue to need the outstanding example of their avian parents to help them learn how to fend for themselves in the great wide world.
Until the babies are ready to fly coop though, Athena and Apollo will continue to nurture the little birds and teach them how to be the best kestrels they can be.
