Working Farms Needed for American Kestrel Research

The American Kestrel is the smallest North American falcon species. Commonly seen perched on edges of grasslands, pastures, and meadows, kestrels rely on semi-open habitats for foraging insects and small rodents. Kestrels have been experiencing significant declines since the 1970’s, and research into their overwintering habitat and behavior is crucial for understanding these trends.

Jasmine Kyle, a graduate student of Dr. Matthew McKinney at West Liberty University, is conducting a research project using nest boxes and cameras to study kestrels visiting nest boxes in the winter. This project needs working farms in West Virginia with pastures and/or hayfields that can be used as installation sites for kestrel nest boxes.

Participation in the research project would entail:

• Free installation of 1 or more kestrel nest boxes on your property
• A camera recording activity inside the box
• Researchers regularly visiting your property in 2026 – 2027 for camera maintenance
• Cameras will be removed at the end of the study.

After the research project concludes, landowners will participate in an ongoing kestrel nest box monitoring program coordinated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia (ACCA). Training on nest box monitoring will be provided.

Yearly tasks to be completed by the landowner (or other volunteer with permission):

• Late Winter: Clean nest box
• Spring/Summer: Monitor nest box to count kestrel eggs & chicks (2-3 visits)
• Summer/Early Fall: Submit monitoring data to ACCA

Please email jkyle@westliberty.edu and Katherine.L.Garst@wv.gov if you are interested in participating or would like additional information.

Note that this is an ongoing project throughout the summer – please disregard the “event date.”