General Discussion : AKP Fall 2014 Newsletter

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Greetings! We are pleased to bring you the next edition of the American Kestrel Partnership newsletter! It is because of the hard work of our citizen scientists and volunteers and the generosity of our donors that the American Kestrel Partnership continues to move forward. So, thanks to everyone who helped to make 2014 a great year!


Results for 2014

Click here to view the results on the AKP website! The following maps are available for viewing:

  • Number of boxes per region
  • Percent nest boxes occupied by American kestrels
  • Percent nest boxes occupied by European starlings

Have you seen our new website?

We completely revamped our website this spring to make it easier to communicate and enter data. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out! (kestrel.peregrinefund.org). We’re constantly upgrading the website to make it even more user-friendly. If you have any ideas for us to improve the website please let us know either by emailing us at KestrelPartnership@peregrinefund.org or by posting in our web forum (http://hub.peregrinefund.org/node/51).


Partner Spotlight

Dennis MerinoThis November’s AKP Partner Spotlight is: Dennis Merino of California.

Dennis is an enthusiastic AKP partner who gives nest box building workshops and monitoring workshops in various areas around California. We sat down with him to ask him about his experiences with kestrels during his visit to Boise.

Q: How long have you been a partner to the AKP?

A: About 1.5 years. I found the AKP when I did a google search looking for information about the decline of kestrels.

Q: You did some kestrel nest box building workshops for the AKP. How many have you done?

A: I got started in June with one workshop, then had another in July and August. There has been more and more interest in the workshops every time I’ve done one. I make sure to talk about the commitment to monitoring and cleaning the boxes for the AKP. At least 11 new boxes have been mounted. I have found that talking to the Bureau of Land Management is a great resource, because that means the boxes are monitored by biologists and they can follow up on the commitment.

Q: Have you noticed anything about the kestrels in your area? What makes kestrels important to you?

A: I was a falconer in high school and college. I knew I wanted to be close to these birds as soon as I saw one the first time. I had a couple kestrels during that time. I am always on the look out for raptors, and I am always seeing them. For the last 10 to 20 years, I have seen fewer and fewer kestrels. This last year I saw no kestrels for three whole months. That is a long time to go without seeing at least one!

Q: Do you feel you have had a positive impact on your community with this project?

A: I have met some fantastic people. Brilliant people. Many people are thanking me for doing something for these birds. All you hear is bad news lately, so people are thankful for the positive work. People are grateful that something is being done.

Q: What do you think gets people the most excited about this project?

A: Showing them a bird! People love seeing the kestrel. At a workshop, some of the kids are inner-city kids who have never gotten to see any wildlife up-close. They were so excited to meet Herbert (an imprinted male kestrel brought by a volunteer).

Q: What do you think the AKP could improve on? Have any advice?

A: Build on your success. Always remain positive, even though it is difficult to work in conservation. Communication and personal relationships are the key. With that, the network and momentum will grow.


Show your support for conserving American KestrelsAmerican Kestrel on nest box.

Did you know that a 20-year study of kestrels in Southwest Idaho is one of the biggest projects of its kind in North America? You can help support this important research by sponsoring one or more nest boxes. Each year, students from Boise State University monitor the boxes and collect data on eggs and chicks that may determine why some kestrel populations are in decline and how to conserve them. Find out how you can be part of the team.

 


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American Kestrel Hat  Available in three different colors

American Kestrel Earrings Hand-carved from bone and hand-painted into feathers

American Kestrel Pint-Sized Predator Renowned bird expert and master educator Kate Davis delves into the world of the American Kestrel


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The Peregrine Fund
5668 W Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID  83709
Phone: 208.362.3716  |  Fax: 208.362.2376  |  Email: tpf@peregrinefund.org

     

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Posted in General Discussion by Delorahilleary 9 years 4 months ago.

 

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