The Plight of Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni)

[Stephen]

The Plight of Lesser Kestrels

Living on the SW coast in Andalucia certainly has its advantages when you want to out birding. It doesn't matter which month you step outside and search across the coastline, valleys of the sierras that almost tumble into the Mediterranean Sea or Atlantic Ocean, there's always something to see. We eagerly await the return of our Eagles, Falcons, Harriers and other birds of prey without really thinking of some of the problems they face when it comes to raising a successful brood.

Birds of prey or raptors as they are often called range from the mighty resident Griffon Vulture with over two meters wingspan, to the sleek migrant falcon like the stunning Lesser Kestrel with of around 65 cms - a real little and large comparison.

Global warming brings a noticeable change and effect, not only with breeding migrant birds but all other living creatures as well. We are certainly seeing and recording a slight change with earlier arrival of some raptors during their return to Europe, that use the ancient pathways such as the Strait of Gibraltar, the most western European crossover route between the two continents. Taking note of when some species start arriving back in this area, is a useful tool where comparison of annual records can show changing migration pattern. There is of course a link caused by a rise in temperature which itself effects the way all species function especially where the traditional eruption of food sources is timed with breeding, particularly hatching timing.  This change may be small but already we are seeing differences in bird numbers and their earlier arrival. This change can cause a certain disturbance to the normal equilibrium of migrants. Let's stay with the Lesser Kestrels as an example. Lesser Kestrels are migrants that winter in North Africa leaving Europe in August and September each year, to return to breed mainly in the Mediterranean countries of Europe from late February onwards. (There are also eastern European birds that nest in other countries, wintering in other southern parts and some juveniles do stay on in Europe during the winter months if there is sufficient food supply and fair weather.) Spain has probably the largest population of Lesser Kestrels in the world.
Earlier migrants can have the pick of nest sites and territories where they will collect food, mainly insects, for their broods. A few days later and the arrival of more of the same species to the same area can cause confusion, stress and the inability to find appropriate nest sites.

Another Problem Awaits - Lack of Nest Sites
The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is one of the most endangered bird species in Europe, having undergone a dramatic decline across its breeding range over the last four decades
During the last twenty years, the number of people like myself, who have moved to the warmer south to live has increased greatly, and this has had a detrimental effect on the availability of nest sites for just one communal breeding species, the Lesser Kestrel! I live in the countryside and have seen the conversions, renovations and new buildings go up in nearby white villages of Vejer de La Frontera, Medina Sidonia and Alcala de Los Gazules.

Part of the problem is that people of course, want to live in the numerous white villages or ‘Pueblos Blancos’ dotted around southern Spain. They look so appealing and the way of life is something of a dream for lots of ‘Notherners’. There are without doubt extremely attractive and some people have pulled out all the stops, renovating and updating the antiquated electrics, ancient water and sanitation problems, creating a dream home in the sun. The problem for our feathered friends means that on their return to Europe, they find that traditional nesting sites, such as crack in the red pan-tiled roofs and old stone walls have been renovated, sealed and painted over. Most of the owners are unaware of this effect and although they may have seen or heard the birds flying around don’t appreciate their plight.

What Can Be Done?
The Castro Verde experience showed that natural nests were sometimes abandoned in favour of the ones provided: this suggests that some of the artificial nest sites might be of higher quality than natural nest sites, affording better protection against potential predators and inclement weather, and reducing inter-specific competition for previously limited, nest-sites.
To take a leaf from this great Portuguese project that has been extremely successful over the last years at Castro Verde, we can all ask those foreigners in the white villages to mount an artificial nest box for Lesser Kestrels on the roofs and eaves of newly renovated properties. Nest boxes or containers can be made from wood and there are various designs and plans available on the internet. I personally like the terracotta pots, specifically made for Lesser Kestrels but have yet to look around to see where I could order a batch and find out cost. They stay relatively cool during warm weather and provide better security against insects or other parasites or predators.

How And Where To Put The Nest Boxes?
- On  vertical walls less exposed to the full sun
- Mounting should be at least 3m in height from the ground
- Leave at least 1m between the closest nest
- The entrance hole should be no greater than 6.5 cm in diameter

Wooden boxes should be rectangular in shape measuring 30-40cm in length x 20cm broad x 20cm high

Perhaps we could all get together and erect boxes ourselves. Let me know if our readers have an thoughts on the matter.

Stephen Daly

[Stephen]

I thought I'd add the Lesser Kestrel photographs in a new post as I think I used up the 128KB max attachment size with the nest box plans and photo on the above post.....
Stephen

[clive]

Hi,

Now there is a nice first project for the ABS

Lesser kestrel nest-box awareness project! Not just talk about it but  find the supply of boxes and actively promote them to people living in areas where the species are under pressure from building renovation (Itself not a bad thing as property should be protected and maintained as well especially in smaller communities.)

Is there a link to the Castro Verde project?

Clive

[john]

I'd second Stephen's comments on the work done at castro Verde.

I also think a lack of awareness of local authorities is a problem.  Between visits to Alcala someone, I assume the local junta, decided to slap several acres of mortar in all the cracks and crannies in a large section of old wall.  Not having done a systematic count of nest sites I'm uncertain of how many were thus sealed up, but I'm sure it cant have helped.  I wonder too whether those bodies with responsibilities for advising on the upkeep of ancient buildings are fully aware of their responsibilities,

John

[Peter]

Hi,

Now there is a nice first project for the ABS

Lesser kestrel nest-box awareness project! Not just talk about it but  find the supply of boxes and actively promote them to people living in areas where the species are under pressure from building renovation (Itself not a bad thing as property should be protected and maintained as well especially in smaller communities.)

Is there a link to the Castro Verde project?

Clive

Actually Clive great minds think alike. I have spoken to Stephen and we intend to meet-up after the festive holidays and work on how best we can promote this project. Not least of course we will need a potter who can make the boxes/tubes, as we both agreed the wooden ones were not as good or durable. Anyone know a capable and 'cheap' potter???

Peter

[Peter]

I'd second Stephen's comments on the work done at castro Verde.

I also think a lack of awareness of local authorities is a problem.  Between visits to Alcala someone, I assume the local junta, decided to slap several acres of mortar in all the cracks and crannies in a large section of old wall.  Not having done a systematic count of nest sites I'm uncertain of how many were thus sealed up, but I'm sure it cant have helped.  I wonder too whether those bodies with responsibilities for advising on the upkeep of ancient buildings are fully aware of their responsibilities,

John

Just had a thought John, you could start your own colony on the walls of your house in Alcala.

 

Peter

[john]

Actually, they pretty much already do!  A crumbling tower of the old town wall abutts onto the house and is full of holes.  On the topic more generally, if we're serious about this can we chisel any funding out of any big organisation?
John

[clive]

Actually, they pretty much already do!  A crumbling tower of the old town wall abutts onto the house and is full of holes.  On the topic more generally, if we're serious about this can we chisel any funding out of any big organisation?
John

Practical project for John......
Visit town hall and find out if any plans are in force for the reparation of said tower and what, if any, plans are being made to promote the occupation by lesser kestrels.

If no plans by town hall then make a visit to a garden centre or builders yard... Buy the bits needed and screw them up to your house wall in an appropriate place....

Tell every person possible why you are doing what you are doing and why they should do it....

Never mind hassling "big organisations" for cash... My first suggestion will cost nothing and the second will cost 20 Euros or so.....

I get a bit tired of people always wanting a "grant" for important things that are very simply accomplished by the individual... Maybe I should ask for a grant every time i support a good cause....

Cmon guys... set an example and get stuff done....

[Peter]

Hi Stephen,

Any idea on:

Where we can order Terracotta nest boxes and costs per ?quantity.

How we could incorporate fixing plates within the design?

I think the idea and proposal here to start the project under the ABS banner is commendable and we should try and progress the project asap. What about a web page Clive promoting the project?

Peter

[clive]

This topic is the web page...

Post up pictures of installed nest boxes... Images of them being used etc... Results of conversations with town halls (Vejer)...Point people to this topic so they can see how to get their own local project started......

A very tidy wooden box can be made from the plans in the first post..

If you want a dedicated page that's easy enough to do but this is what a forum topic is all about.... Bringing people of various skills together in order to accomplish something positive...

[Peter]

The Plight of Lesser Kestrels
 I personally like the terracotta pots, specifically made for Lesser Kestrels but have yet to look around to see where I could order a batch and find out cost. They stay relatively cool during warm weather and provide better security against insects or other parasites or predators.

Let me know if our readers have an thoughts on the matter.

Stephen Daly

Quite Clive, point taken. I think we need to set-up a page on the web site outlining a few projects we are working on and from there we can direct them to the threads on the forum i.e. For the Birds! education programme and this scheme. Need to give this some thought and perhaps discuss this with you et al.

I agree with Stephen regarding the preference of Terracotta design and in particular the point about parasites. My only doubt is the ease of fixing and whether or not we can come up with a design to the terracotta nest box 'pot' that somehow incorporates a mounting plate/bracket, not rocket science but needs some thought and perhaps discussion with a potter. I hope Stephen reads this as well as others and can give some input.

Peter

[clive]

Liz and Jenny may be able to help... They are based over at Prado del Rey, Cadiz province and have a great workshop set up..

The website is at
http://www.artesaniadelprado.es/index.htm

Drop them an email to see if they have an ideas..

Clive

[Stephen]

Thanks for the contact Clive. I plan to meet up with Peter on Monday evening and we can go though a plan of action. I want to try and get some work on this done before my tours kick in again and I disappear during spring - plus of course to try and get some nest-boxes made and put in place asap! I don't think we have a problem with finding individual sites but there are a few other avenues I wish to explore as regards to siting a colony type project in the countryside and have a few locations earmarked. Realistically though, it may be better to walk before running and see who would like to help both physically and financially in the project.
Peter or myself will get back on the forum with news of a plan with contact names etc for any prospective helpers. I think we have no shortage of advisors and enthusiastic supporters, but we do need people on the ground
Here's a link with some information on the Castro Verde project. You can also Google 'castro verde flaco' where there are a few downloadable pdf files from the project itself - some in English
http://www.naturlink.pt/canais/Artigo.asp?iArtigo=3113&iCanal=1&iSubCanal=3561&iLingua=2
Stephen

[mike in Jerez]

I have a short video film of some kestrel chicks which bred in a plantpot on the windowsill of an 11th floor flat just uop the road from me in Jerez. I can reduce it in WinZip to 40,5 mb (from54). If you`d like to see it I could  attempt to email it to you?

[john]

As a hopeless monoglot, a leaflet in Spanish explaining the plight of LK, that most of them are found in Spain, the aims and objectives of the project etc., etc. would be very useful.  I've already given a copy of 'The Sierras of the South' to the mayor in Alcala and I think he vaguely knows I'm a 'bird man, but neither my Spanish nor his (even worse!) English are up to the job of discussing this issue.  An article in one of the local Spanish papers might help though .....

John