Hello Kestrel Community!
I've had the luck to have a breeding pair of American Kestrels (Kevin and Ellie) nesting in my attic in San Diego for the past few months. They had a hatch and it appears that only one of the nestlings survived.. Yesterday this courageous little girl/guy, Norma, (I think girl) made the 20' jump to the sidewalk below. She is too small to fly and has spend most of the time sitting in the driveway near some potted plants (and occasionally roaming around). Kevin will come and go, however I haven't seen him feed her anything since yesterday. She seems way too young to be out of the nest and ran around a bit yesterday but definitely seems far off from flying (based on the nestling guide I'd estimate ~20-22 days old). Should she have fledged this early?
I'm in a suburban area however we have limited brush/grassy areas and I think she may wander off into the street.. I'm also worried that a raccoon/cat/opossum will get to her at night since there are no real bushes or trees to hide in, however I don't want to interfere with the parent bond as I know she still has lots of development needed and will need them around for months.
Is there anything I can do to increase her chances of survival? considered trying to get her back in the nest, however was worried that would hurt the bond or that she would just jump right out again and risk injury. Last night we left out a box with a small opening that she went into and hid/slept through the night. Made it through one night but the stress is killing me! This morning she is just calmly sitting in the driveway, but is not calling for food like she usually does from the attic. I've heard/seen Kevin around with a small mouse but he has not yet fed her..
Any help/suggestions would be great, thanks!
