Researchers have found that American kestrels, one of the smallest falcon species in North America, can help keep cherry farms safe from food-borne illnesses by preying on small birds that carry pathogens. The study, published in November, suggests that kestrels lower the risk of food-borne illnesses from pathogens, with orchards featuring nesting boxes for kestrels seeing an 81% reduction in crop damage and a 66% decrease in branches contaminated with bird droppings.
Farmers have been using kestrels to manage pests on their cherry farms for decades, and the birds' presence has proven to be effective in deterring unwanted bird species. The study's findings also suggest that kestrels can help reduce physical damage to crops, with orchards featuring nesting boxes seeing a significant decrease in damaged fruit.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Michigan State University, who evaluated 16 sweet cherry orchards in Michigan's Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. The study found that the presence of kestrels significantly reduced the risk of food-borne illnesses from pathogens carried by small birds.
According to Olivia Smith, lead study author and assistant professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, "Kestrels are not very expensive to bring into orchards, but they work pretty well" at deterring unwanted bird species. The study also found that the presence of kestrels can reduce the need for pesticides and other chemical controls.
The use of kestrels as a pest management tool has been shown to be effective in reducing crop damage and improving food safety on cherry farms. By providing nesting boxes for kestrels, farmers can attract these birds and benefit from their predatory services. The study's findings suggest that this approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
The researchers recommend that farmers facing pest-management issues consider building kestrel boxes, which cost about $100 per box and require minimal maintenance. With the abundance of kestrels in Michigan's cherry-growing region, 80-100 percent of nesting boxes become inhabited by these birds, making it an attractive strategy for farmers looking to manage their crops sustainably.
Farmers have been using kestrels to manage pests on their cherry farms for decades, and the birds' presence has proven to be effective in deterring unwanted bird species. The study's findings also suggest that kestrels can help reduce physical damage to crops, with orchards featuring nesting boxes seeing a significant decrease in damaged fruit.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists at Michigan State University, who evaluated 16 sweet cherry orchards in Michigan's Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. The study found that the presence of kestrels significantly reduced the risk of food-borne illnesses from pathogens carried by small birds.
According to Olivia Smith, lead study author and assistant professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, "Kestrels are not very expensive to bring into orchards, but they work pretty well" at deterring unwanted bird species. The study also found that the presence of kestrels can reduce the need for pesticides and other chemical controls.
The use of kestrels as a pest management tool has been shown to be effective in reducing crop damage and improving food safety on cherry farms. By providing nesting boxes for kestrels, farmers can attract these birds and benefit from their predatory services. The study's findings suggest that this approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
The researchers recommend that farmers facing pest-management issues consider building kestrel boxes, which cost about $100 per box and require minimal maintenance. With the abundance of kestrels in Michigan's cherry-growing region, 80-100 percent of nesting boxes become inhabited by these birds, making it an attractive strategy for farmers looking to manage their crops sustainably.
I mean, seriously what's up with all these new "solutions" that are just a bunch of gimmicks? I get it, kestrels are cool and all, but nesting boxes that cost $100 each? That's just outrageous! And don't even get me started on the whole "80-100% occupancy rate" thing... like what's to stop some farmers from just filling those boxes with fake birds or something? 
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. Using American kestrels as a natural pest control method is genius 
. And can we talk about how cool it is to see a team of researchers at Michigan State University working together to find solutions like this? 
It's amazing what humans can do when they focus on nature instead of trying to fight against it 
Interesting that farmers have been using American kestrels as a natural pest control method for decades and now scientists are validating its effectiveness. The fact that just providing nesting boxes can lead to an 81% reduction in crop damage is insane! 
I mean, who needs pesticides when you've got birds on the job? 
! They're like little superheroes saving the day, one pest at a time 
. The cost is pretty low too, $100 per box? That's a small price to pay for peace of mind when it comes to keeping those crops safe 
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! Farmers have been using them for decades and the results are just amazing 
. 81% reduction in crop damage and 66% decrease in branches contaminated with bird droppings? That's huge 
. And the best part is that it's cost-effective and environmentally friendly 
It's also super cool to see farmers using nesting boxes as a solution - like, who wouldn't want some cute birds around their farm? 
The study authors are totally onto something here and I'm all about supporting this sustainable farming practice 
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? That's pretty cool! But do the kestrels get all sick from eating those tiny birds that carry diseases? I mean, is it safe for them to be around all those pathogens?
The fact that kestrels can reduce crop damage and branches contaminated with bird droppings by 66% and 81% respectively is mind-blowing. Plus, it's cost-effective and environmentally friendly too! 
. This is a win-win for everyone involved!
and i gotta say, it's a total game changer 
. And the best part is, it's not just about the birds themselves, but also about how it can benefit farmers and the environment. The fact that kestrels can reduce the need for pesticides and other chemical controls is huge 
It just goes to show that sometimes the smallest creatures can make a big impact 
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I've always loved how nature can be harnessed to solve human problems, and this study shows that's totally possible. The fact that kestrels are basically free (compared to pesticides) and still super effective is just genius 
I'm totally convinced that more people need to learn about this and start building those kestrel boxes ASAP!