Michigan Cherry Farmers Use Kestrels to Boost Crop Safety

Cherry farmers in northern Michigan are finding an unexpected ally in their quest for safer crops: the American kestrel. This small falcon, known for its ability to deter pesky birds, also plays a role in enhancing food safety by reducing the risk of contamination in cherry orchards. According to research from Michigan State University published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, the presence of kestrels can significantly lower the number of fruit-eating birds and their droppings, which often carry harmful pathogens.

The study highlights the challenges cherry growers face, as they typically lose between 5% to 30% of their crop annually to birds. Traditional deterrents, such as nets, noisemakers, and scarecrows, often prove costly and ineffective. As a result, farmers are increasingly turning to alternative strategies like encouraging natural predators to patrol their fields.

Research Findings on Kestrel Benefits

The research team, led by assistant professor Olivia Smith, installed nest boxes in eight sweet cherry orchards across northern Michigan. They observed that kestrels quickly moved into these boxes and began nesting. When kestrels were present, the incidence of other birds, including robins, grackles, and starlings, visiting the orchards significantly decreased.

The results were notable: the presence of kestrels reduced potential cherry damage by more than tenfold. Additionally, the study found a three-fold decrease in bird droppings on the cherry trees, which is critical since droppings can harbor pathogens like Campylobacter, a bacterium commonly linked to foodborne illness.

Implications for Food Safety

While kestrels do produce droppings as well, their ability to keep other fruit-eating birds at bay far outweighs this drawback. Senior author Catherine Lindell noted that cherry trees located closer to kestrel nests had fewer instances of contamination from bird droppings. The research indicated that about 10% of droppings collected contained Campylobacter, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in humans.

Despite these findings, the researchers emphasized that there has been no direct link between cherries and Campylobacter outbreaks. The only documented incident involving birds occurred in 2008, when migratory cranes were implicated in a Campylobacter outbreak related to pea fields in Alaska.

The potential for using kestrels as a natural form of pest control extends beyond cherries. Smith pointed out that the falcons could be beneficial for other crops that have experienced food safety issues, particularly leafy greens. “They’re really good at keeping the amount of poop down,” she said, highlighting the importance of reducing contamination opportunities.

Farmers interested in using kestrels should note that while they are a low-cost and low-maintenance option, their effectiveness may vary by region. The researchers advocate for incorporating kestrels into the broader bird management strategies employed by growers.

In summary, the collaboration between cherry farmers and American kestrels illustrates an innovative approach to addressing both crop damage and food safety concerns in agriculture. This ongoing research not only highlights the ecological balance between predator and prey but also presents a sustainable solution for farmers seeking to enhance their produce’s safety and quality.