American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) are a keystone species of grassland habitat in North America. Unfortunately, these small, colorful falcons are experiencing widespread population declines. Nest box programs have been established to provide breeding locations in high-quality habitat for kestrels. This research will combine large amounts of nest box data from our collaborators in Minnesota (Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, Minnesota DNR) and Wisconsin (Madison Audubon Society, Central Wisconsin Kestrel Research, Cedar Grove Raptor Banding Station, Beaver Creek Nature Reserve). With data from 475 nest boxes, we want to investigate the optimal diet, temperature, and landscape conditions for kestrels with the hope of learning more about how we can effectively conserve kestrel populations. We will be using techniques such as stable isotope analysis of feathers to assess diet of kestrel chicks, temperature loggers to record conditions in nest boxes, and banding kestrels to track return rates.

This project is led by Halle Lambeau, a Master?s student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, with the assistance of Frank Nicoletti and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. All proceeds from this campaign will go directly towards funding data analysis, as well as the costs of monitoring equipment and mileage for this large-scale project. 

American Kestrel chick. Photo taken by Hannah Toutonghi during a banding session. The chick was fitted with a USGS unique metal band in accordance with state and federal permits and promptly returned to its nest box!