Michigan Cherry Farmers Harness Kestrels for Crop Protection

Cherry farmers in northern Michigan are turning to an unexpected ally in their fight against crop damage and food safety risks: the American kestrel, the smallest falcon in the United States. According to research from Michigan State University, published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, these birds of prey not only deter smaller fruit-eating birds but also help reduce the risk of food contamination.

As the cherry harvest concluded months ago, growers are already preparing for the next season. The study, led by assistant professor Olivia Smith, highlights how kestrels can serve as “winged security guards” for cherry crops. These birds are known for their ability to hover while scanning the ground for insects and small animals. By keeping pest birds away, kestrels also minimize the chances of crop contamination from droppings.

Kestrels as Natural Pest Control

The research indicates that the presence of kestrels can lead to significant improvements in crop safety and profitability. Traditional methods employed by farmers, such as nets, noisemakers, and scarecrows, have proven to be costly and often ineffective. Even with these control measures, growers in states like Michigan, Washington, California, and Oregon typically lose between 5% to 30% of their cherry crop to birds each year.

Kestrels were introduced to eight cherry orchards in northern Michigan through the installation of nest boxes. The findings showed that the presence of these falcons significantly reduced visits from birds like robins, grackles, and starlings. In fact, the likelihood of cherry damage dropped by more than tenfold when kestrels were nesting nearby.

According to Catherine Lindell, associate professor emerita of Integrative Biology, the presence of kestrels also correlated with a three-fold reduction in bird droppings on cherry trees. While it’s acknowledged that kestrels also produce droppings, their impact on deterring other fruit-eating birds compensates for this drawback.

Food Safety Insights

The implications for food safety are significant. The research revealed that about 10% of droppings found in the orchards contained Campylobacter, a bacterium linked to foodborne illnesses. Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Although no outbreaks of foodborne illness related to cherries have been reported, the study suggests that kestrels may play a role in reducing contamination risks for other crops, particularly those like leafy greens that have been associated with outbreaks.

While the findings present a promising avenue for improving food safety, researchers caution against relying solely on kestrels for pest control. Their effectiveness can vary by region, and they may not be suitable for all farming environments. Nevertheless, Lindell emphasizes that this approach represents a low-cost, low-maintenance addition to farmers’ bird management strategies.

In summary, the incorporation of American kestrels into orchard management may provide cherry farmers with a sustainable method for protecting their crops while also enhancing food safety. As this innovative practice continues to develop, it could reshape how farmers approach pest control and food safety in the future.