Farmers in Northern Michigan are finding an unlikely ally in their fight against pests and disease on the cherry farms: tiny falcons. These birds of prey, which range from 6 to 9 inches in length, have been working with fruit farmers for decades by eating and scaring away small birds that carry pathogens. This symbiotic relationship appears to lower the risk of food-borne illnesses.
According to researchers, kestrels are highly effective at controlling pest populations without causing significant harm to the environment or other wildlife. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that farms with nesting boxes for kestrels saw an 81% reduction in crop damage and a 66% decrease in branches contaminated with bird feces.
The benefits of having kestrels on farm go beyond just reducing pest populations, however. The presence of these birds has also been shown to lower the risk of food-borne illnesses by eating and scaring away small birds that carry pathogens. Researchers tested the excrement from cherry orchards frequented by kestrels and found that over 10% contained campylobacter, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans.
While it may seem counterintuitive to use birds as a form of pest control, researchers argue that kestrels are an attractive solution for farmers. These birds are skilled hunters who drive off songbirds afraid of being eaten, and their presence can reduce the need for other forms of pest control like nets or pesticides.
Farmers in Michigan have already seen success with this approach, reporting fewer songbirds and less crop damage since introducing kestrels to their farms. Researchers estimate that adding a nesting box to a farm's land could cost as little as $100, making it an affordable solution for farmers facing pest-management issues.
As concerns about food safety continue to grow, researchers are exploring new ways to reduce the risk of contamination in the food supply. Using kestrels as a form of pest control may be just the ticket, providing a low-cost and effective solution for farmers while also promoting the health of the environment.
According to researchers, kestrels are highly effective at controlling pest populations without causing significant harm to the environment or other wildlife. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that farms with nesting boxes for kestrels saw an 81% reduction in crop damage and a 66% decrease in branches contaminated with bird feces.
The benefits of having kestrels on farm go beyond just reducing pest populations, however. The presence of these birds has also been shown to lower the risk of food-borne illnesses by eating and scaring away small birds that carry pathogens. Researchers tested the excrement from cherry orchards frequented by kestrels and found that over 10% contained campylobacter, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans.
While it may seem counterintuitive to use birds as a form of pest control, researchers argue that kestrels are an attractive solution for farmers. These birds are skilled hunters who drive off songbirds afraid of being eaten, and their presence can reduce the need for other forms of pest control like nets or pesticides.
Farmers in Michigan have already seen success with this approach, reporting fewer songbirds and less crop damage since introducing kestrels to their farms. Researchers estimate that adding a nesting box to a farm's land could cost as little as $100, making it an affordable solution for farmers facing pest-management issues.
As concerns about food safety continue to grow, researchers are exploring new ways to reduce the risk of contamination in the food supply. Using kestrels as a form of pest control may be just the ticket, providing a low-cost and effective solution for farmers while also promoting the health of the environment.
. I mean, think about it, we're talking about tiny falcons that are only 6-9 inches long, and they're basically doing all the work for us. It sounds like a win-win situation, but what happens when these little guys start disappearing or get sick? We wouldn't want to lose this 'solution' just because some kestrels got a stomach bug 
. Plus, I'm not sure if it's fair to expect farmers to foot the bill for installing nesting boxes on their land, $100 might be a pretty penny 
. And what about when the pest population comes back? We can't keep relying on these birds forever, right?
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's awesome that they're helping out with pests and disease, but are we really putting all our eggs in one basket here? 
Those kestrels might be small, but think about how dependent farmers would be on them. What if their populations decline or something goes wrong? I don't know, man... 
they're like 6-9 inches long & have been working w/ fruit farmers 4 decades! they eat small birds that carry pathogens & scaring away songbirds that can harm crops. researchers found kestrels reduced crop damage by 81% & branches contaminated w/ bird poop by 66%! plus, their poop even has low levels of campylobacter 
it's like a win-win situation for farmers & the environment! adding nesting boxes 4 $100 is literally affordable & effective 
can't wait to see more farms hop on this trend 
I think this is totally awesome! Farmers are already doing amazing work to maintain sustainable practices, and now we're seeing these tiny falcons making a huge impact too 
. The idea that these little birds can help reduce food-borne illnesses by eating away pathogens is mind blown 
. And the best part? It's not just about controlling pests, it's also good for the environment 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to add some kestrels to their farm for a mere $100? 
The more innovative solutions like this that can help farmers stay on top of pest management, the better! 
Tiny falcons are literally saving cherry farms from pests and disease... who knew birds could be our BFFs in agriculture? 
I love how these falcons help control populations without harming other wildlife, that's just amazing 
. And the fact that they're also catching tiny pathogens that can cause food poisoning is just wow! 
. Can't wait to see more farmers join this falcon squad and make the food supply even safer 
and its not just about the money, it's also good for the environment. I mean, we should be looking for ways to make farming more sustainable, right? 
so yeah, let's get those falcons on farms ASAP!
.
]
.
Plus, it's not like farmers are spending a fortune on these kestrels either - just $100 to install a nesting box? That's a steal! 
I think it's genius, these little birds are like nature's superheroes, keeping pests under control without harming the environment or other wildlife 
They're not just cute, but they actually help keep those pesky songbirds under control, which means less chance of food-borne illnesses. And it's not just about the birds, either - it's about the environment too! These kestrels are basically like a natural pest-control squad that doesn't harm other wildlife.
. plus, $100 is still a pretty penny for a bird's nest box