Approximately 60,000 observation records made at more than 5,200 American Kestrel nest boxes and other cavity nest sites are being transferred from the American Kestrel Partnership database to NestWatch (photo by Paul Konrad).

NestWatch and The Peregrine Fund have initiated a new collaboration in which NestWatch will be the new data entry system for the American Kestrel Partnership (AKP), formerly operated by The Peregrine Fund. AKP maintained a database specifically designed for birders who monitor American Kestrel nests, which was composed of approximately 60,000 observation records made at more than 5,200 American Kestrel nest boxes and other cavity nest sites used by kestrels across 49 states, 7 provinces and territories, and 6 countries overall.

The merged kestrel nest records provide an incredibly detailed snapshot of American Kestrel nesting activity throughout the species’ range in North America and beyond. NestWatch is administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a world leader in bird research, conservation, and conservation-related community science programs, including NestWatch.

Recognizing that this collaboration leads to greater efficiency and conservation impact, American Kestrel Partnership participants will soon be able to access their records in NestWatch, and researchers will be able to access even more kestrel information in one place. NestWatch will also promote project participation, and provide troubleshooting to birders who may encounter problems.

All birders who monitor nesting American Kestrels are encouraged to share your nesting records with NestWatch. For more information, you can refer to the American Kestrel Partnership announcement at AKP Transition | The Peregrine Fund and the NestWatch FAQ page at NestWatch | AKP Partners, Welcome to NestWatch - NestWatch