Wildlife Protection

Nesting Boxes for the Screech Owl and American Kestrel

Our dear friend, John Parke, from the NJ Audubon Society brought us nesting boxes so that we can create habitat for Screech Owls and American Kestrels at our Sanctuary! These two raptor species are currently declining in population numbers and it is important to help conserve them! Watch the video below to see how you can help these two incredible birds thrive by learning how to create habitat for these two important species in your own backyard!

The Eastern Screech Owl has been gradually declining in various eastern parts of the United States. Their species can be helped by providing nesting boxes. Screech owls are named for their piercing calls. It is not a hoot as with some owls, but a trill consisting of more than 4 individual calls per second given in rapid succession. They also have a kind of "song" which is used in courtship and, as a duet, between members of a pair.

These birds come in two different morphs (colors) of gray and reddish-brown. Eastern Screech Owls are the only owl with such red colors. As a result of their color and patterning, they are excellent at camouflage and will literally blend into their nests which are located in tree cavities. These raptors do not create their own nests, which is why they are such a good candidate for nest boxes. You can find them in deciduous (shedding trees) or evergreen trees and in open areas such as fields and wetlands. 

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon weighing in at 3-6 ounces. Don’t let that fool you though, as this bird is an amazing predator. American Kestrels are not picky eaters, eating insects, small mammals and small reptiles. These birds have amazing eyesight that allows them to see in ultraviolet light.  Certain animals' urine lights up neon under ultraviolet sight making them susceptible as prey. When hunting, the Kestrel is the only falcon that can hover like a helicopter, making these birds incredible hunters. They add great value to thriving ecosystems by keeping the numbers of certain animals stable. 

The American Kestrel is also the continent’s most common and widespread falcon, you can find them all over North America. Even so, their populations have declined by an estimated 1.39% per year between 1966 and 2017, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. That annual trend corresponds to a 51% cumulative decline over the full period. Wildlife needs our help now more than ever.

Why Do They Need Your Help?

• 18% of raptor species are at risk of extinction.

• Why are the American Kestrel and the Eastern Screech Owl important to conserve?

  • Conservation efforts have higher rates of success when species are still abundant. Both these bird species are listed as low concern. This is a perfect time to start helping them.

• Why are they in need of conservation?

  • Habitat loss is a major reason for all animal population decline, especially birds. These two species are affected by agricultural development, residential and commercial development, and clear cutting.

  • Invasive species plays a role for the American Kestrel. The European Starling is a non native species in America and contributes to habitat competition for the Kestrel. 

  • Anthropocentric causes such as contaminants like DDT, and other chemical sprays are also of great detriment to these species..