Tiny Raptors Arrive: American Kestrels Hatch in the Menomonee Valley

The Kestrels are here! The Kestrels are here! On June 15th, 2026, the Urban Ecology Center’s Research Team and fellow staff were led by Danny Erickson, from the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station, in a bird banding excursion at the Menomonee Valley Branch of UEC. Erickson and team were placing uniquely numbered metal bands on five recently hatched American Kestrels that were born in a bird box placed by Erickson in March of 2023; this was the first hatching of record at this specific box!

The American Kestrel is the smallest, but most common species of falcon found in North America. They inhabit a wide range of open areas including farmlands, deserts, prairies and urban areas, which makes the Menomonee Valley a perfect habitat for them. With American Kestrels; smaller size but carnivorous diet, they require habitats that are abundant in insects and small mammals, which are thriving in the Valley due to the restoration work being done by the Land Management team at UEC.

The Kestrels receive both a metal and plastic color-coded band that will help identify the birds in the future, which is important considering these birds will likely leave the Menomonee Valley. Erickson’s banding work helps track the migratory and habitat preferences of the species. The bands will also allow researchers to determine how old the birds are, where they were born and other travel-related characteristics if recaptured in the future at the UEC or any other research station.

The American Kestrels in the Menomonee Valley were hatched roughly during the last week of May which means towards the end of June, the birds will leave the box and head out on their own. Erickson said the birds may stick around in the area together for a few days, but will soon head out to find their own domain.

If you do come across an American Kestrel or any other type of bird with a band on its leg, Erickson asked that you report the information to the U.S. Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory website. All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit #24311 issued by the U.S. Geological Survey BBL.

American Kestrel fun fact: Kestrel’s can see ultraviolet (UV) light which allows them to track mice and other prey by their urine, which glows bright yellow by UV light (Birds of Wisconsin Field Guide, 3rd Edition).

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