Kestrel News 2004

by Denny Cradick

This year, the Department of Roads  added 10 more kestrel boxes east of Goehner. We now have 20 boxes up along Interstate 80.

NESTINGS: So far this year, we have two nests of kestrels. Last year, we only had one nesting.

(1) Leland Osten reported he opened one nest box at the exit on the east side of the U. S. Highway 77 and snapped a picture of the kestrel sitting in the box. Wood chips had been removed and some course grass was on the bottom of the box. Presumably the nesting material was brought in by starlings, but it didn't seem to deter the kestrel.

(2) Steve Eno also found a kestrel nesting at the North 27th Street site.

PROBLEMS: Starlings, starlings and more starlings. It's a full time job removing their nests but, as is apparent from Leland's experience, once a kestrel has designs on the box, it may displace the starlings — at least if the nesting material is scant. We're still learning, so report similar occurrences to us if you will.

ASSISTANCE: Don Mason and Bruce Stephens, who alternate weeks, have a 55-mile round trip when they check their four nest boxes. If someone else would sign up to check the one at the York westbound rest stop, it would shave 20 miles off their route. They would appreciate the help but are willing to continue the full route if no one steps forward. If anyone would like to help either Don and Bruce or assist with any other aspect of the program, please give us a call at 402-534-2045 or email us at dc34702@alltel.net.

MANY THANKS: We couldn't have undertaken this program without the help of the Department of Roads and support of the Game and Parks Commission. Not only did the Department of Roads outfit us with safety gear (fluorescent vests and hats), they worked with us and officials from the Game and Parks Commission to find the best habitat, flagged safe zones (so we wouldn't cut through fiber optic cable or any other lines), and dug the holes for the poles.

For more information on the American Kestrel and live video camera pictures, see the Nebraska Game & Parks web site: www.ngpc.state.ne/us/wildlife/kestrel.asp