Delaware Wild Lands, DNREC celebrate American kestrel success story

There are many hidden engines on the Delmarva Peninsula that work to keep the balance. One standout organization, Delaware Wild Lands, recently had a great success story of restoration, management and a wonderful result with the American kestrel.

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America, just a little bigger than a robin. Kestrels are listed as endangered or threatened in the four Northeastern states, and 21 states list them as a species of concern. In Delaware, kestrels were listed as a state-endangered species in 2013 following a 93% population decline in the Mid-Atlantic region over 50 years.

Delaware Wild Lands staff restored a former agricultural field located at its Taylors Bridge complex to native meadow habitat in 2022. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offered its collaboration to install and monitor kestrel boxes with hopes to provide a habitat suitable for these birds. After a prescribed burn this past winter, staff immediately saw American kestrel activity and remained hopeful the boxes would be used. Upon investigation of the nesting boxes, biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife discovered four fledglings.

”The success of this habitat restoration and the subsequent nesting of American kestrels is a testament to the power of dedicated land management and strong partnerships,” said Marcia Fox, executive director of Delaware Wild Lands. Seeing these young birds fledge is an incredible reward for our team and for our partners at DNREC. It proves that thoughtful conservation efforts can make a real difference for endangered species right here on the Delmarva Peninsula.”

To learn more about Delaware Wild Lands projects organization and/or sign up for its newsletter, go to dewildlands.org.