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Adopt a kestrel box

Are you interested in being involved with research on raptors and global change?  We have several opportunities for community participation

Please consider adopting an American kestrel nest box

Our Treasure Valley American kestrel nest box project is the 3rd largest project in North America and has been running for more than 30 years.  Each year, students from Boise State University monitor kestrel nest boxes in and around Boise, collecting information on nesting success and survival. The information collected from these nest boxes gives us insight into the ecology of kestrels and might help us ultimately discover the cause of population declines occurring across North America.
We have teamed with The Peregrine Fund to maintain this unique resource and continue kestrel research in the Treasure Valley, and you can help! Please consider a yearly adoption of one of our kestrel nest boxes here in the Treasure Valley. Adopting a kestrel box helps both Boise State and the Peregrine Fund sustain this long-term study as we work to understand the threats that impact our smallest falcon. Funds will go towards replacing boxes, purchasing supplies, or paying for fuel to maintain the trail. Your adoption will be tax deductible. Please consider becoming a part of our team by adopting a box!

For each $100 adoption, you will receive:

  • Official adoption certificate
  • Reports on the the birds nesting in your box
  • Updates on the nest box program
  • A free gift

Click here to adopt your box today!

Please be on the look-out for color-marked kestrels

We have marked more than 900 American kestrels with orange or green alpha-numeric leg bands in the Boise, Kuna, and Meridian area  since January 2011.  Each color band has a unique letter and/or number combination so we may identify individual birds from a distance with a spotting scope.
The use of leg bands allows us to study kestrel movements without repeatedly trapping each bird.  For the project to be successful, we must observe color-marked birds and record their locations.  This is where we need your help!  If you spot a kestrel, take a look at its legs to see if it is banded.  If you do see a color banded bird, please record the following information:

  • color of band (orange or green)
  • two digit alpha-numeric code on the band
  • the location the bird was observed (GPS or road intersections)

Additional information that would be helpful:

  • leg the color band is on (ie. The bird’s left or right leg)
  • male or female bird
  • any interesting behavioral observations

Report observations to amke204@gmail.com or 208-426-3208.  If you have any questions please contact Julie Heath at julieheath@boisestate.edu.  Thank you for the help!

Page updated March 2024