Just ‘keep calm and carrion’!
SAFE: An exclusion area has been set up around the kestrels' nest
THERE was no need for a wing and a prayer for a kestrel family after they were discovered nesting at the construction works site for the Luton Dunstable Busway.
Contractor BAM Nutall set up a 30-metre exclusion zone around the nest so the birds weren’t disturbed, and the adults have now successfully reared their four chicks.
The nest was initially observed in April, and over the next three months the pair worked to raise their offspring.
Engineers redirected construction traffic to avoid the area and the works programme was rearranged to ensure no delays resulted.
After a nervous wait for all concerned, the chicks successfully fledged at the beginning of July.
Andy Graham, spokesman for BAM Nuttall, said: “It has been like watching our very own live edition of Springwatch.
“The birds have captivated everyone working in the area, and there has been much interest following the kestrel family.
“We had to remain vigilant to the birds, as they gradually became more and more acclimatised to the works taking place around them.
“The chicks could be clearly seen as they grew bigger, waiting for food from their hard-working parents.
“We were thrilled when all the offspring left the nest.”
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Weather for Luton
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
