ABSTRACT
The American kestrel is migratory in some portions of its range, while in others, birds can be found near nesting areas all year long. American kestrels select a variety of nest sites and may utilize almost any type of cavity in which to lay their eggs. Cavities in hay stacks, old magpie nests, cliffs, trees, buildings, and clay banks all have been used as nesting sites by American kestrels. Two experienced observers scan each side of the road, paying particular attention to fence posts, power poles and wires, tree tops, snags, and building eves for perched birds and to the sky for hovering American kestrels. Since the lateral distance from the road to the point at which the researcher is certain to see all American kestrels will vary with vegetation and terrain, determine the width of the area for each particular study area.
