Single Kestrel Parent Raises Six Chicks l The Dodo

After defending her nest from several attacks, the kestrel mother mysteriously disappears. Now, this lone father must beat all odds to care for his six chicks. Learning to feed and brood them. With help from @RobertEFuller, watch all six chicks leave the nest!

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[kaitlynboss]

It was so adorable to see him failing at brooding. You can tell he was flustered but genuinely trying his best.

[April-kkbv]

What a stunning coat of feathers dad has. Wow. But even more impressive was that he took over the role as single parent without hesitation and did a great job

[ChrisTesch]

Robert E. Fuller for anyone looking for this channel. He's got lots of amazing Owl (multiple species), Kestrel, Stoats (like a weasel) and other wildlife videos...all with live camera feeds in nest (he builds the enclosures for the nests). Would recommend everyone who hasn't already to check it out!! Noticed the Dodo's description doesn't say anything about his youtube channel.

[gggthsb]

the fact that he not only took over in taking care of the chicks, he got all 6 of them through which is just remarkable!

[darkfluffycloud]

I follow this mans channel. This story brought me to tears. This pair of kestrels were so amazing. She did disappear without a trace. The males do take turns brooding (laying on the eggs). Though they don't feed the babies. He stuck around and learned how to feed them. Even sitting on them to keeo them warm. He learned this and keep in mind he does not have a partner to feed him. He did this all by himself continuously.

[thelordcomanderwhocriedwolf]

Here's to all the young fathers out there trying their best while mom is away❤

[jovanleonardi]

man would have been a perfect dodo for father's day

[vespermartini]

Video is from Robert E Fuller, a naturalist in Yorkshire, England. He has a YT channel showcasing the wildlife surrounding his property.

[just_kos]

And now one of his babies is a father himself! Congrats to Jeff & Jenny!

[baphomathedude]

You know, the most logical thing would be for the male to abandon the chicks as well. He didn't know how to brood, he didn't know how to feed them. But, despite that logical choice, he chose to do whatever he could to save his children. It shows a level of compassion and purposeful decision making that can only be described as actual love. His refusal to give up despite it jeopardizing his own survival is nothing short of amazing.

[BlackCoffeeee]

What a f**king legend of a dad. Good on ya man. You stepped up and raised a great brood. Standing ovation.

[rajulislam]

Legend. I still struggle to feed and provide for myself

[TheQueenOfSheba]

They mate for life. My guess is something bad happened to the mom. so sweet. Happy he was able to care for his babies. ❤

[Whimsicaldreams]

This is one of the most beautiful vids I’ve seen lately. He went against his nature to adapt and keep his babies safe and healthy. This Daddy Kes is a model single father. ❤

[noonesaccount]

I loved watching him clumsily get used to brooding them, funny, but also heart-warming!

[SheilaR.]

Mrs. Kes fought the good fight for her babies, and then Mr. Kes did the impossible and raised them on his own. Beautiful! RIP to both wonderful parents. You won't be forgotten. 💜

[shilohndrah]

Love the story of Mr Kes, who learns how to feed his hungry chicks. His Light Bulb Moment when he brings in the easy to swallow lizard is so brilliant! Tearing up the food in small bits is a huge breakthrough!

[Molly]

It's so sad the mom left but this father is amazing ❤❤❤

[juliesong]

I follow Robert and remembered when this happened I was sad then Mr. Kez stepped up with Robert's help!!!

[travelingsitshow]

It’s amazing that in even in nature each parent has a role. One doesn’t know how to do what the other parent is designed to do. So beautiful.