In a novel approach to enhance food safety, cherry farmers in northern Michigan are turning to the American kestrel, the smallest falcon in the United States. New research from Michigan State University, published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, reveals that these birds of prey not only deter smaller birds from snacking on crops but also help reduce the risk of foodborne contamination.
The study highlights the dual benefits of kestrels for cherry growers, particularly in combating the challenges posed by birds that can damage crops and contaminate them with droppings. According to lead author Olivia Smith, an assistant professor of horticulture, the presence of kestrels can significantly diminish the number of unwanted visitors in orchards. “It’s hard to keep birds out of crops,” Smith explained, noting that traditional deterrents, such as nets and noisemakers, can be costly and ineffective.
Kestrels can provide a natural solution. The research team installed nesting boxes in eight cherry orchards, observing the behavior of both kestrels and other birds during the harvest season. They discovered that orchards with nesting kestrels experienced over a tenfold reduction in fruit damage caused by birds like robins and starlings.
Food Safety Benefits
In addition to protecting crops from damage, kestrels also played a significant role in improving food safety. The study found that the presence of these raptors led to a three-fold decrease in bird droppings on cherry trees. Catherine Lindell, a senior author and associate professor emerita of Integrative Biology, pointed out that while kestrels also produce droppings, their ability to keep other fruit-eating birds away makes them valuable allies for farmers.
DNA analysis conducted during the research revealed that about 10% of droppings collected from the cherry orchards contained Campylobacter, a bacteria known to cause foodborne illness. Although no outbreaks linked to cherries have been reported, the findings indicate a potential pathway for improving food safety in crops susceptible to contamination.
Smith emphasized that while the research illustrates the advantages of using kestrels, it should not be seen as a complete solution for all bird-related challenges faced by farmers. The effectiveness of kestrels can vary based on regional factors, as they may not be as prevalent in some areas compared to others.
Practical Applications for Farmers
The findings offer a promising low-cost, low-maintenance strategy for growers to incorporate into their bird management practices. With sweet cherry producers in states like Michigan and California losing between 5% to 30% of their crops annually to bird damage, the potential for kestrels to mitigate these losses presents a valuable opportunity.
Farmers are encouraged to consider kestrels as part of an integrated approach to pest management. While they may not eliminate all bird-related issues, they can significantly enhance the safety of the food supply while promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
Overall, this research showcases an innovative intersection of ecology and agriculture, revealing how nature can provide effective solutions to modern farming challenges. The work of Michigan State University not only underscores the importance of biodiversity in agricultural settings but also opens doors for future studies on the role of natural predators in food safety.
