Kestrels are Making a Comeback: Rhoneymeade is Helping

Written By William Rathfon

Rhoneymeade has been participating in a program to help reverse the decline of Kestrels in the Northeast by hosting several nest boxes on the property. They have successfully helped create habitat for American Kestrel families, with multiple broods hatched and the fledglings banded. Steve Eisenhauer is the coordinator for the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy effort, and visits the boxes during nesting season to hopefully band the fledglings. Here are some highlights from last year’s report for the Northeast region, which you can view via the link below.

Highlights from the report:

  • Kestrel numbers have been improving after many years of decline.

  • The Central PA program has seen steady growth: from 48 bandings in 2018 to 772 in 2025

  • The whole Northeast region saw a decrease in bandings from 2024 to 2025, including the Central PA program, going from 817 to 772 bandings

  • Central PA is a very strong area, with the largest total of bandings of any program over the last 8 years: 3937

So when you’re out for a walk at Rhoneymeade this year, keep your eyes peeled for a small hovering raptor. North America’s smallest falcon is an amazing flyer and hunter, seeking out insects and small mammals to feed itself and its brood.

- Bill Rathfon

Kestrel photo taken by Bill Rathfon at a banding session at ChicoryLane farm

📄 Read the full report:
American Kestrel Northeast Region – 8th Annual Nest Box Program Report (2025)

William Rathfon
Next

Winter Cheer 2025