Michigan Farmers Harness Kestrels to Boost Cherry Safety and Profits

In an innovative approach to agriculture, cherry farmers in northern Michigan are turning to the American kestrel, the smallest falcon in the United States, to enhance food safety and boost crop yields. According to a study from Michigan State University (MSU) published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, these birds of prey not only deter smaller birds from feasting on cherries but also help reduce potential contamination from droppings.

The research led by Olivia Smith, an assistant professor of horticulture at MSU, discovered that kestrels, known for their remarkable hovering ability as they hunt, could serve as natural pest control in orchards. By establishing nest boxes in eight cherry orchards, the team observed a significant decrease in the presence of fruit-eating birds such as robins and starlings when kestrels were nesting nearby. This avian partnership could be a game-changer for cherry growers, who typically lose between 5% to 30% of their crop annually to bird damage.

Benefits of Kestrels for Cherry Growers

The study highlights the dual benefits of employing kestrels in agricultural settings. Not only do these falcons help prevent cherry damage by scaring off would-be pests, but they also minimize the risk of contamination from bird droppings. Smith noted, “It’s hard to keep birds out of crops,” referencing traditional methods like nets and scarecrows, which can be ineffective and costly.

The presence of kestrels resulted in a more than tenfold reduction in cherry damage. Furthermore, the researchers found that these predators contributed to a three-fold decrease in the likelihood of droppings on cherry trees. While kestrels do produce waste, the overall impact of their predation on other birds is beneficial, according to Catherine Lindell, senior author and professor emerita at MSU.

Implications for Food Safety

The implications of this research extend beyond crop damage. The study noted that 10% of droppings found in the orchards contained Campylobacter, a bacterium linked to foodborne illnesses. While no outbreaks of illness related to cherries have been recorded, the findings suggest that kestrels could play a crucial role in enhancing food safety in various crops, particularly those traditionally associated with contamination issues, such as leafy greens.

Smith emphasized that while this method does not solve all bird-related challenges, it presents a low-cost, low-maintenance solution for growers. The researchers acknowledged that kestrels may not thrive in all agricultural regions, but their presence offers a promising alternative to conventional bird management strategies.

The study’s findings highlight an evolving understanding of the intricate relationships between wildlife and agriculture. As farmers seek innovative ways to protect their crops, the partnership with kestrels may pave the way for safer and more profitable harvests in the future.

For more information, see the article “Falcons Reduce Pre-Harvest Food Safety Risks and Crop Damage From Wild Birds” in the Journal of Applied Ecology (2025).