Tiny Falcons Protect Cherry Farm Food Supplies

Every spring, American kestrels return to northern Michigan’s cherry orchards, where they hunt small pests like mice and songbirds, benefiting local farmers. For decades, fruit growers have supported these birds by adding nesting boxes, which help reduce crop damage and the risk of food-borne illnesses. Recent research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that orchards with kestrels experienced an 81% reduction in crop damage and a 66% decrease in branches contaminated with bird feces. This symbiotic relationship highlights the ecological and agricultural advantages of maintaining kestrel populations.

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