American Kestrel Nest Box Installation
American Kestrels are North America’s smallest and most
widespread falcon. Males have blue/gray wings, rusty colored backs, and rusty
colored tails with black tips. Females have rusty colored barred wings, backs,
and tails. They live in open habitats such as open fields, grassy meadows, and
power line right-of-ways. They are secondary cavity nesters, meaning that they
nest in cavities that occur naturally or have been previously hollowed out by
other birds. They also depend on scattered trees for perching while hunting. They
eat mostly insects and small mammals, but also consume small birds, frogs, and
lizards.
In some areas American Kestrel populations are in slight
decline because of a decrease in nesting habitat. Because of this it is fairly
common practice to build and install nest boxes in appropriate areas. This week
we installed a nest box in a portion of prairie along the southern part of the
Stone Park. There are several different
Kestrel nest box designs – the picture below shows the style we chose. We added
two inches of wood shavings for nesting material so that the box is ready for
use. Boxes should be placed 10 to 20 feet above the ground on a stable wooden
post or pole. They should be placed in areas that include hunting perches and
suitable hunting habitat.
Kestrels begin to nest in mid-March. After the females lay
their eggs they incubate for about 30 days before hatching occurs. They are
then cared for by the adults for an additional 30 to 38 days before the leaving
the nest and are dependent on parents for food for about another two weeks
before they disperse and become independent. We hope that we will be able to
see some Kestrels using this box within the next few years. When you visit the
park be sure and keep your eyes open for a glimpse of these impressive birds!
-S.H.
