In northern Michigan, cherry farmers are discovering an unexpected ally in their battle against pests: the American kestrel. This small falcon not only helps deter smaller birds that feed on cherries but also contributes to enhanced food safety, according to recent findings from Michigan State University. The study, published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlights the dual benefits of these raptors in agricultural settings.
Research led by Olivia Smith, an assistant professor of horticulture, emphasizes the kestrel’s role in protecting crops. As birds of prey, kestrels are natural deterrents for other birds, including robins and starlings, which can wreak havoc on cherry orchards. The study indicates that these falcons may also reduce the risk of crop contamination. By scaring away fruit-pecking birds, kestrels help prevent droppings that could carry harmful pathogens, like Campylobacter, which is associated with foodborne illnesses.
Impact on Crop Safety and Farmer Revenues
Despite the cherry harvest ending months ago, farmers are already looking ahead to spring with optimism. Traditional methods of bird control, such as nets and noisemakers, often prove ineffective and costly. In Michigan, growers lose between 5% and 30% of their cherry crop annually to birds. Smith noted, “It’s hard to keep birds out of crops.” The introduction of kestrels into orchards presents a sustainable, low-maintenance solution for growers.
The researchers installed nest boxes in eight cherry orchards and observed the impact of kestrels on bird activity. They found that when kestrels nested nearby, visits from undesirable birds decreased significantly. The presence of these falcons led to more than a tenfold reduction in cherry damage. Furthermore, the study found a three-fold decrease in bird droppings on trees where kestrels were active.
Addressing Food Safety Concerns
The implications for food safety are noteworthy. DNA analysis from the study revealed that 10% of bird droppings contained Campylobacter, a bacteria linked to gastrointestinal illness. While researchers caution that these findings do not imply cherries are a direct source of contamination, they suggest that kestrels could help mitigate risks in other crops known to be associated with foodborne outbreaks, such as leafy greens.
Senior author Catherine Lindell acknowledged that while kestrels also produce droppings, their ability to keep fruit-eating birds at bay significantly outweighs this downside. She stated, “The number of fruit-eating birds they keep out of an orchard more than makes up for it.” This innovative approach provides cherry farmers with an environmentally friendly method to enhance the safety of their produce.
Although kestrels may not resolve all bird-related issues, their introduction into orchards presents a promising avenue for crop management. Lindell noted that while kestrels are more common in certain regions, their presence offers a valuable resource for growers looking to protect their harvests.
In conclusion, the utilization of American kestrels represents a significant development in sustainable agriculture. As farmers in Michigan prepare for the upcoming cherry season, they may now have an unexpected yet effective partner in their efforts to ensure the quality and safety of their crops.
