With the Kerry Raptor Conservation Project ongoing this year, we are requesting any sightings of Kestrels during May and June this year, particularly if they relate to possible nesting - two birds calling excitedly, birds repeatedly visiting a cliff or tree, or a Kestrel carrying food. If you see any, anywhere in Co. Kerry, please contact michaeloclery@gmail.com with the details.
Don't underestimate the value of your sightings! By mapping occurrences we can gauge how well they are doing and may be able to locate breeding sites which we can then monitor, all of which provides valuable information in the study of this species which has been in steady decline in Ireland in recent years.
Male Kestrel (Mark Carmody).
Kestrel nest box high in a Sitka Spruce, now occupied by nesting Kestrels, near Camp, Co. Kerry, May 2014 (M.O'Clery).
With a number of Kestrel nest boxes in Kerry now occupied, we hope to continue and expand on the provision and monitoring of nest boxes this year. They are proving to be very attractive to nesting Kestrels. See how to make them and where to put them HERE.
