Pictures from Gary Yanamura

From Gary Yanamura - 2001

The Kestrel Box - an Arizona Non-Profit Corporation

The following note and pictures were sent to us in 2001 by Gary Yanamura. Thanks for the great pictures Gary!

(Click on pictures to see larger versions)


4 new chicks.	4 downy chicks with Mom (note the lizard). I was amazed to see that mom didn't leave when Gary lifted the lid.	Feathers starting to appear.	3 male (note blue-gray wings), 1 female.

(Note of explanation is below)

Dave,

A pair of kestrels were attracted this year to a nest box I mounted on the side of my house. The box was erected last year to accommodate northern flickers, who were drilling holes in my house last spring. The flickers did end up occupying the nest box but, unfortunately, abandoned it after laying three eggs. This year the flickers returned but were driven out by the kestrels. Four eggs were laid and all hatched by May 1. Three of the fledglings left the nest on May 31 and the last one the next day. Attached are photos I took at intervals during the hatchling period. The experience was incredibly fascinating and most gratifying. I look forward to their return next year and will erect more boxes to see if any of the young birds come back.

I came across your great website while I was searching for material to educate myself on kestrels. Your presentation is very innovative and informative. It was interesting to watch your kestrels grow via nest box cam and I paid close attention to your field notes. Your observations and banding efforts must certainly add depth of knowledge to this species, at least in your local area. And I also think that raising money for education is a worthwhile pursuit. I got a lot out of your website. Thank you for working hard to set up and maintain it and best of luck in the future.

Sincerely,

Gary

Send comments and questions to: dave@kestrelbox.org