Michigan Cherry Farmers Utilize Kestrels to Enhance Crop Safety

Cherry farmers in northern Michigan are turning to a surprising ally in their efforts to enhance food safety and crop yields: the American kestrel. This small falcon, known for its hunting prowess, may help reduce the risks associated with pests that threaten cherry crops. Research from Michigan State University, published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlights the potential benefits of these birds of prey for agricultural practices.

Kestrels as Natural Pest Controllers

The cherry harvest may have concluded for the year, but growers are already looking ahead to the spring arrival of kestrels. These birds, which are the smallest falcons in the United States, are known for their ability to deter smaller birds that feast on cherries. According to lead author Olivia Smith, an assistant professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, kestrels not only help reduce competition for the fruit but may also play a vital role in maintaining food safety.

Farmers have long struggled with the challenge of keeping pest birds away from their crops. Traditional methods such as nets, noise deterrents, and scarecrows can be costly and often ineffective. Sweet cherry growers in states like Michigan, Washington, California, and Oregon report losses ranging from 5% to 30% of their harvest annually due to bird damage. In addition to crop loss, the presence of these birds raises concerns about potential contamination from droppings, which can carry harmful pathogens.

Research Findings on Kestrel Impact

The research team focused on eight sweet cherry orchards in northern Michigan, where they installed nest boxes to attract kestrels. They observed a notable decrease in visits from pest birds like robins, grackles, and starlings when kestrels were nesting nearby. The findings revealed that the presence of these falcons reduced the likelihood of cherry damage by more than tenfold.

“It’s hard to keep birds out of crops,” said Smith. “But kestrels provide a natural solution that helps reduce both pest levels and potential contamination.”

Moreover, the study indicated that orchards with nearby kestrel nests showed a three-fold reduction in bird droppings on cherry trees. While kestrels also produce droppings, their hunting habits significantly lower the number of fruit-eating birds that could leave behind harmful waste. Senior author Catherine Lindell, an associate professor emerita of Integrative Biology, emphasized that the positive impact of kestrels outweighs any potential drawbacks.

Diving deeper into food safety implications, the research uncovered that 10% of the droppings analyzed contained Campylobacter, a bacterium known to cause foodborne illness. Although there have been no confirmed outbreaks linked to cherries, the study suggests that using kestrels could help mitigate risks associated with contamination. Smith noted that while this research does not imply that cherries are a significant risk for foodborne illness, it could provide strategies for other crops, particularly leafy greens.

Despite the promising results, Smith cautioned that relying solely on kestrels may not resolve all bird-related issues. Kestrels might not thrive in all agricultural regions, and their presence can be inconsistent. Still, experts see this approach as a low-cost, low-maintenance tool that farmers can incorporate into their bird management strategies.

The findings from Michigan State University not only offer a glimpse into innovative farming practices but also underscore the importance of natural solutions in agriculture. As farmers look for sustainable ways to enhance food safety and increase yields, the role of kestrels as guardians of cherry orchards could prove invaluable.

For further details, 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.