Page 9 - Gateways_2018_FALL

Home Away from Home

CARE Brookfield Zoo is looking to bring in some

new neighbors. A small box about 10 feet off the
ground at the very north end of the Main Parking Lot
has been installed with the hopes of attracting North America’s
smallest falcon.
Debbie Johnson, registrar, partnered up with the Forest Preserves of
Cook County to provide a nest box for American kestrels. Kestrels aren’t
endangered in the United States, but their population has been
steadily declining—particularly in areas like northeastern Illinois, where
grassland habitat is shrinking—since the 1960s.
In addition to habitat decline, they are also losing their nesting space.
Kestrels tend to nest in pre-existing cavities, such as old woodpecker
holes, tree hollows, or crevices in old barns. With increasing
urbanization, they need new options.
The Forest Preserves has been dedicated to restoring kestrel
populations for the past two years, placing several nest boxes in grassy
areas around Cook County. Their nest box in Miller Meadow has seen a
significant amount of kestrel activity, which is an exciting sign.
Although the Society installed its kestrel nest box this past spring, it
typically takes a few months or years for kestrels to become
comfortable with a new home, so staff members are being patient—
they hope to see kestrel chicks within the next few years.
You can help kestrels, too! Anyone can place a kestrel nest box on
their property, though the American Kestrel Partnership recommends
placing the boxes in open, grassy areas at least 8 to 10 feet off
the ground. Nest boxes should face southeast and be

placed in an area with relatively low human
activity, and there should be at least a half
mile between nest boxes.
.

KESTREL

BROOKFIELD ZOO | FALL 2018 9