Kestrels in Théding — Watch the Birds of Prey Nest Live

Théding — a small commune with a great ornithological history

In the northeastern part of France, in the Moselle department of the Grand Est region, lies the quiet commune of Théding. This place is known not only to the residents of Lorraine but also to thousands of bird lovers around the world. The reason is simple: for nearly three decades, a pair of kestrels — elegant birds of prey — have been nesting here, and their lives can be observed via a live webcam.

Théding sits at an altitude of 223 to 378 meters above sea level, covering an area of 8.13 km². It is a typical regional commune with a population of about 2,441 people, where old farms stand alongside modern houses. It is in the attic of one such old farm that the kestrels have made their home, turning an ordinary building into an object of international interest.

Project history: from a family hobby to the Nidoscope association

It all began in 1996, when the Bour family noticed that kestrels had chosen their farm for nesting. Instead of simply watching the birds from the window, they decided to share this wonder with the world. Thus the project "Les Faucons de Théding" was born — one of Europe's first initiatives to broadcast the lives of wild birds online in real time.

For nearly three decades, the project remained a family affair, but in November 2023 an important change occurred: the initiative was transformed into a full-fledged association called Nidoscope. This allowed them to expand their activities, attract volunteers, and continue their mission of observing and protecting birds of prey. Today, the association manages several webcams, including an internal one (inside the nest) and an external one (on the building facade).

Kestrel: a small falcon with a big personality

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small falcon that has earned special attention from ornithologists thanks to its unique hunting method. This bird is capable of hovering in one place, fluttering its wings and carefully scanning the ground for prey. This flight is popularly known as "the Holy Spirit flight" — the kestrel truly seems to float in the air without visible effort.

The kestrel's diet consists mainly of small rodents, lizards, and large insects. A single pair of these birds can protect a significant area from pests, making them valuable allies for farmers. In Théding, the kestrels nest in the attic of an old farm, where they have made a comfortable nest in a wooden box under the roof.

Female kestrels typically lay 4–6 eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. The chicks are born covered in down and grow quickly, requiring more and more food from their parents. Observing this process via webcam is a unique opportunity to see how birds of prey raise their young in the wild.

Nocturnal inhabitants: owls and other night birds

If during the day you can watch kestrels on the camera, then with the onset of darkness, other feathered inhabitants of the region become active. The name of the broadcast "Kestrel by Day or Cinereous Vulture by Night" reflects this very shift between diurnal and nocturnal predators.

The cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is the largest bird of prey in Europe with a wingspan of up to 3 meters. Although cinereous vultures do not nest in Théding (their population is concentrated in the Grand Causses region, about 300 km to the south), these species represent an important part of France's ornithological diversity. In 1992, a cinereous vulture reintroduction program was launched in France, and today a stable population of these majestic birds inhabits the Jura and Tarn mountains.

As for Théding itself, the night webcam with infrared illumination allows observation of other species of owls and nocturnal birds that may visit the farm's territory. The infrared mode provides clear images even in complete darkness without disturbing the animals.

Geographical location and nature of the region

Théding is located in the historical region of Lorraine, not far from the border with Germany. This region is characterized by a temperate climate with cool winters and warm summers, creating favorable conditions for kestrels to nest. The surroundings of the commune are typical rural landscape: fields interspersed with small forests and hedgerows.

The Moselle department, to which Théding belongs, is rich in waterways and diverse biotopes. Not only kestrels live here, but also other birds of prey: common buzzards, hawks, and long-eared owls. The presence of old farms with spacious attics creates ideal conditions for birds to nest, making the region attractive to ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Observation technology: how the webcam works

Modern webcams for bird watching are complex systems that provide continuous broadcasting without interfering with the natural habitat. In the case of the Nidoscope project in Théding, high-resolution cameras with infrared illumination are used, allowing round-the-clock observation.

The external camera in question is installed on the building facade and is aimed at the wooden landing platform and nest box. This is where the kestrels rest, preen their feathers, and survey the surrounding area. The internal camera, located in the attic, shows what is happening directly inside the nest.

The broadcast is conducted in real time via YouTube, providing stable access for viewers from all over the world. The image quality allows you to see the details of the birds' plumage, their behavior, and their interactions with each other.

Why watching kestrels is so popular

Live cameras for wild birds have gained popularity for several reasons. First, it is a unique opportunity to observe the behavior of birds of prey in their natural environment without having to go on a hike or wait a long time to encounter them in the wild. Second, such broadcasts have educational value — they help to better understand the biology and ecology of birds.

For many viewers, watching kestrels in Théding has become a daily tradition. People turn on the broadcast while working or relaxing, follow the growth of the chicks, and discuss what they see on social media. The Nidoscope project has created a true community of bird lovers united by an interest in the lives of these amazing predators.

In addition, the project's longevity (since 1996) allows viewers to follow several generations of kestrels. Some viewers have been watching the nest for many years, remembering the habits and characteristics of individual birds. This creates a special bond between people and wildlife that is hard to overestimate.

What you can see on the camera

On the external webcam in Théding, you will see a wooden landing platform and a nest box attached to the facade of an old farm. During the day, kestrels most often rest here — graceful small falcons with reddish-brown plumage and dark "mustaches" on their faces. The birds may sit still, surveying the surroundings, or preen their feathers, preparing to hunt.

With the onset of darkness, the camera switches to infrared mode, and the image becomes black and white. At this time, you can observe nocturnal birds that visit the farm's territory. Although cinereous vultures do not live in Théding, the infrared illumination allows you to see other owls and nocturnal predators that may appear near the nest.

The webcam operates in real time, so you can witness important moments in the birds' lives: a kestrel returning from a hunt, feeding chicks, or simply resting peacefully on the landing platform. This is a living window into the wild, available to anyone interested in the lives of birds of prey in France.