Climate Action Now: Kestrels Aid Cherry Farmers

Scientists have discovered that American kestrels (Falco sparverius, North America’s smallest falcons) provide substantial benefits to commercial cherry growers in the state of Michigan by eating, scaring off, and generally reducing the local population density of cherry-eating birds like grackles in orchards. A 2018 study calculated that cherry farmers can save up to $357 worth of cherries for each $1 they spend on kestrel nest boxes, and a new 2025 study found that orchards with kestrels have much less cherry damage and bird poop (which can carry Campylobacter microbes that can cause food poisoning). This is yet another awesome example of mutually beneficial wildlife/agriculture coexistence! Read HERE.