American Kestrel (Plan 14)
The American kestrel is our smallest falcon and is abundant in agricultural areas which are characterized by scattered woodlots, scattered trees, shelterbelts, meadows, highway rights-of-way, pastures and hay fields. This species is valuable because of the large numbers of rodents and insects eaten. Kestrels are frequently seen sitting on powerlines along highways or hovering above the grassy roadside ditches in search of their prey. An adult kestrel is about the size of a mourning dove.
Locate the box along a fence row between crop fields, in a meadow, or in similar open
country.
Place the box
10 to 30 feet high on a tree, utility pole, the back of a billboard or sign or on your own
post. Kestrels like a high perch near their box so pick a site within 100-200 yards of
utility wires or a tall tree. The 3 inch diameter entrance should face in a south or
easterly direction. The flight path to the entrance should be branch free. Cover the
bottom 2 or 3 inches of the box with wood shavings or pine needles.
Place boxes in the fall or late winter. Starlings may be a persistent problem. Check the boxes weekly to remove starling nesting material. Neither the screech owl (a desirable occupant) nor the kestrel carry in nesting material. Occasional nest checks will generally not cause the kestrel to abandon the nest.
A ladder is best for nest checks. This makes it harder for raccoons to follow your scent trail to the nest. If raccoons, squirrels or other non-avian predators and competitors are a problem, place 3 feet of metal flashing under the box. This guard may prevent their climbing to the box.
You'll be rewarded when you spot the first white, pinkish-white or cinnamon egg that's evenly covered with brown spots. Kestrels normally lay five such eggs.
One of Pennsylvania's most abundant backyard birds is the American robin. It is a welcome sight in the spring, its song is beautiful, and it provides great enjoyment for people as it raises its young each summer. Their grassy nest is lined inside with mud, and the eggs are bright blue.
A robin nesting shelf can be placed on a wall by a window where the robin family can be easily seen. Or, the nesting shelf can be placed on the trunk of a tree about 6 to 10 feet above the ground. The nesting shelf can be left unpainted, or it can be painted an earth tone.
Remove the robin's nest after the young leave as robins build a new nest each year.