The American kestrel (formerly known as the sparrow hawk) is the smallest member of the falcon family found in North America. Arguably the kestrel is probably the most common of all diurnal (daytime) birds of prey. Since much online information is presently available, we have included several links to sites that describe the life history and behavior of kestrels, while opting to share some of the background history and information collected from this particular territory.

The history of this territory began innocently enough during the early spring of 1988, when a modified wood duck nest box was placed on a pole behind the firehouse in Stanley, New York. The pole had originally been used as one of two supports for the Fire Company’s waterball team practice, and also for competitions during the summer months. The nest box was placed directly over a cable that ran between the two poles and served as a path for “waterball.” This makes a perfect landing “pad” for both the adults as they return to the box or stand guard, as well as the young when they make their first unsteady ventures out of the nest box at fledging time.

During that first nesting season six young kestrels were hatched and fledged from that box. Amazingly, between that first “season in 1988, and this one (18 straight years), a total of 87 young have been hatched from this territory. This site has produced as many as 6 young (twice) and as few as 3. All of the young hatched here, as well as one adult female have been banded. Stanley sits in the middle of prime farming land in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The nearby farms producing grains and livestock no doubt provide plenty of mice for the adults to catch. Nevertheless, we often see insects such as dragonflies as well as small birds being fed to the young.

Interest in this site by Fire Company members and local residents has increased over the years. Beginning in 2004, a small video camera was inserted in the roof of the kestrel nest box and nest life was viewed and recorded at the firehouse. In the spring of 2005 the Fire Company installed the high-speed Internet connection that allowed viewing of the rapid development of the young kestrels worldwide. Our sincere thanks goes out to the members of the Stanley Fire Company and the Board of Fire Commissioners whose help and interest has made this entire endeavor possible. One interesting development occurred during the mid to late 90’s when the adjoining landowners built a new home a short distance from the pole that holds the nest-box. These birds have become a source of great interest for these folks and apparently the birds’ “new neighbors” were to their liking since no discernable effect on territory has been observed and breeding has continued without interruption.

By following the nest box activity with a camera, we have learned a lot of things that have improved our nest boxes. Last year on occasion the picture became foggy, or has been occluded altogether. This was the result of humidity and growth of fungus stimulated by a) a very rainy spring which dampened the nest box inside and out, and b) plenty of waste from the nestlings who are very effective at coating the inside of the box with a whitish excrement. It became apparent that the ventilation provided by the standard design of kestrel nest boxes is insufficient. Our camera box provides for a 3.5 inch hole in the center or the roof to accommodate a piece of 3 inch standard PVC pipe which encloses the camera, microphone, and related circuitry. This was surrounded by four, two inch diameter holes which are covered over with translucent white plastic to provide interior illumination. The typical kestrel nest box design calls for 4, ¼ inch holes in the bottom of the box and 2, ¼ inch holes in the top of the two sides of the box. These small holes are wholly inadequate for ventilation due to the steamy, fungus growing conditions observed inside the box. We pulled the plastic coverings of the 4, 2 inch holes in the roof, added some wooden half inch spacers and then added a new roof of opal plastic which sits on top of the spacers so that the roof can vent freely through the 4, 2 inch holes. Although the bottom holes were protected from clogging by a piece of inverted welcome mat with the plastic blades of “grass” pointing down to provide air space and ventilation, we have increased ventilation to the bottom of the box with the addition of a ¾ inch PVC elbow glued into the side of the box near the bottom but above the bedding of wood shavings. We note that the top of the wood shaving bedding becomes entirely sealed by the white excrement so no ventilation is provided through the bottom of a box without the addition of the PVC elbow. These new features should help to vent stagnant and humid air from the box.

Mike Allen of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has banded all the chicks that fledged from this box. Over the years he developed a modification of the manner in which the box is opened which facilitates easier nest box monitoring with less chance of chicks spilling out when the box is opened. This arrangement is a “Dutch” style door on the side that opens separately on the top and bottom. The top part of the door opens to provide access to the chicks while the unopened bottom part provides a wall to restrain them. The bottom part can be opened when it is time to clean out the box.

We will be adding diagrams and pictures of our new box design.

Based on our experience with this very successful Kestrel territory, we are hopeful that our Kestrel nest box cam will return for years to come.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Kestrel Box

This image updates every 25 seconds with a fresh picture from the Kestrl Box. Streaming video is not available from this location. View live video by visiting the Iroqois National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center where live video and sound from the Kestrel Box can be enjoyed.

April 26, 2008 Kestrels are now visiting this nest box

Update May 8, 2008 This pair of Kestrels now have 5, count em Five! eggs. These birds will have their work cut out for them.

This Kestrel Box is located near the visitor center at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Western New York State. Learn more about the refuge by following the link to the Refuge Site listed below:

Kestrel Links:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Cornel Lab of Ornithology

US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service