Since January 2020, there has been hanging at the campsite Domein Groot Besselink a special kestrel nest box. Since then, a pair of kestrels returns every spring to breed here. Thanks to two cameras, visitors can follow the entire breeding season live: from the first egg to the moment the young kestrels fledge.
The kestrel is a beautiful bird of prey known for its characteristic hunting style. 'Hovering' motionless in the air, it scans for mice and other small prey.
A successful breeding site
Our kestrels have felt at home on the grounds for years. Since the installation of the nest box, young have been successfully raised every year.
2020: 3 young kestrels
2021: 4 young kestrels
2022: 5 young kestrels
2023: 5 young kestrels
2024: 7 young kestrels
2025: 5 young kestrels
2026: 6 young kestrels
The young birds are ringed annually by the bird working group. In doing so, the kestrels on our grounds make a valuable contribution to the research into this special bird of prey.
Live Stream
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Breeding season 2026
2026 was once again a special season. The livestream was watched by more than 12.000 people viewed by nature lovers from home and abroad.
The breeding season began at the end of March. On March 29 the first egg was laid and on April 9 the clutch was complete with no less than seven eggsThat is exceptional, because a clutch usually consists of five or six eggs.
Op April 30 the first chick crawled out of the egg. Eventually, six of the seven eggs hatched. On May 22 The six young kestrels were ringed by the bird working group.
In contrast to last year, when the parent birds mainly brought in cockchafers, the menu this season consisted primarily of mice. Thanks to the abundant food supply, the young kestrels grew up successfully. June 19 The youngest chick was also about to fledge, bringing another successful breeding season to a close.