American Kestrel Project
Photo: American Kestrel in VSO-constructed Nest Box, Diane Lepkowski
The Virginia Society of Ornithology established the American Kestrel Nest Box Project in 2016, to provide suitable nesting cavities across the state and to help researchers understand the decline of this charismatic species.
About the American Kestrel Project
Kestrel Nest Box
VSO established the American Kestrel Project in 2016 through two generous donations specifically gifted to provide nest boxes for American Kestrels in Virginia. With the many volunteer hours and other generous donations, by 2020, over 500 kestrel nest boxes have been built and placed in appropriate habitat in 44 counties and 15 State Parks across the Commonwealth.
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, the kestrel population nationwide has decreased by half since the 1960’s. Habitat loss, West Nile virus, pesticides, and a lack of suitable nesting cavities are all probable factors in the decline of this species. As with bluebirds, when Kestrel nest boxes are placed in suitable habitat, they can encourage the breeding presence of American Kestrels.
Banding a Kestrel. Photo: Vic Laubach
The American Kestrel Project has been a catalyst for educating landowners, schools and civic groups about this beautiful, but fragile species.
Photo: American Kestrel, Diane Lepkowski
Is it working?
Kestrel chick being weighed, Terri Cuthriell
The Kestrel boxes are a convenient tool used by researchers to better understand the habits, movements, and breeding success of this charismatic bird. Many of these boxes are successfully fledging juvenile kestrels.
VSO volunteers monitoring nest box occupancy in the Blue Grass Valley of Virginia recorded that in May 2021, 66% of the 69 kestrel boxes in Highland County were occupied by incubating kestrels!
In 2021, VSO volunteers initiated banding and assessing the health of adults and young.
How can you help?
The scope of the American Kestrel project is dependent on the amount of funding that can be acquired through our Conservation Fund. Individual contributions are welcome and have sustained the project so far, and the VSO has received two generous donations from organizations dedicated to rural land preservation and wildlife conservation.
With your help, we can continue to fund this important project!
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Your support helps VSO to promote awareness and enjoyment of Virginia’s birds and bolsters our conservation efforts across the state.
Photo: American Avocets, Diane Lepkowski