Cherry farmers in northern Michigan are finding an unexpected ally in their battle against crop threats: the American kestrel. This small falcon is not only adept at scaring off smaller birds that feast on cherries, but new research indicates it may also enhance food safety by reducing contamination risks.
A study published on **November 27, 2025**, in the *Journal of Applied Ecology* by researchers from **Michigan State University** highlights the potential benefits of these raptors. Lead author **Olivia Smith**, an assistant professor of horticulture, emphasized the kestrel’s role in monitoring orchards. “They hover in midair as they scan the ground below for insects, mice, and small birds,” she explained.
The research team focused on eight sweet cherry orchards in northern Michigan, installing nest boxes to attract kestrels. Their findings demonstrated that these birds of prey significantly deterred fruit-eating birds, such as robins and starlings, which can damage crops and introduce pathogens through their droppings.
Impact on Crop Safety and Yield
Farmers face a persistent challenge with avian pests, often losing between **5% and 30%** of their crop annually to birds. Traditional deterrence methods, including nets and scarecrows, can be expensive and ineffective. The introduction of kestrels, however, has proven to be a promising alternative.
The presence of kestrels was associated with a **tenfold** reduction in cherry damage. Additionally, there was a notable decline in bird droppings on the trees—specifically, a **three-fold** reduction. According to senior author **Catherine Lindell**, an associate professor emerita of Integrative Biology, the benefits of kestrels significantly outweigh any drawbacks. “Certainly, kestrels poop too,” she acknowledged, but their contribution to keeping other birds away is invaluable.
The implications for food safety are significant. The study found that **10%** of the bird droppings contained **Campylobacter**, a bacteria linked to foodborne illness. While none of the outbreaks of this bacteria have been traced to cherries, the research suggests that kestrels can help mitigate contamination risks in crops that have faced such challenges in the past.
Future Applications and Considerations
While kestrels may not be a complete solution to the bird problems farmers encounter, they present a low-cost and low-maintenance option for managing avian threats. Smith noted that using kestrels could be particularly beneficial for other crops, such as leafy greens, which have been associated with foodborne outbreaks.
The study’s findings encourage farmers to consider integrating natural predators into their crop management strategies. “This won’t solve all the bird problems farmers face,” Smith cautioned, acknowledging that kestrels may prefer certain environments over others.
Overall, this innovative approach not only supports crop yields but also promotes safer food production practices. As cherry farmers prepare for the next growing season, the prospect of having kestrels as their feathered guardians seems promising.
For more detailed information, refer to the study titled “Falcons Reduce Pre-Harvest Food Safety Risks and Crop Damage From Wild Birds,” published in the *Journal of Applied Ecology*.
