Michigan Cherry Farmers Harness Kestrels for Food Safety Boost

Cherry farmers in northern Michigan are finding a new ally in their quest for safer produce: the American kestrel, a small falcon known for its hunting prowess. Recent research from Michigan State University, published on November 27, 2025, in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlights the role these birds play in deterring other avian pests and reducing food safety risks associated with crop contamination.

The cherry harvest may have concluded months ago, but growers are already looking ahead to the spring, when kestrels return to the region. These birds of prey, the smallest falcons in the United States, are not only adept at scaring off smaller birds that consume cherries, but they also contribute to maintaining the safety of the crops by minimizing droppings that could carry pathogens.

Research led by Olivia Smith, an assistant professor of horticulture at Michigan State University, revealed that kestrels significantly impact the populations of fruit-eating birds, reducing the likelihood of cherry damage. Traditionally, farmers have employed various control measures—such as nets, noisemakers, and scarecrows—often with limited success and high costs. According to Smith, despite these efforts, sweet cherry growers in Michigan, Washington, California, and Oregon experience losses of between 5% to 30% of their crops annually due to bird damage.

Kestrels offer a low-cost and low-maintenance alternative. The study tracked kestrels in eight cherry orchards, observing their impact on the number of other birds visiting the trees. The presence of nesting kestrels led to a more than tenfold decrease in fruit damage from birds such as robins and grackles.

Food Safety Implications for Cherry Crops

Beyond crop protection, kestrels also help mitigate contamination risks. The researchers found a threefold reduction in bird droppings on cherry trees in proximity to kestrel nests. Senior author Catherine Lindell, an associate professor emerita of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University, noted that while kestrels do produce droppings, their presence significantly outscales the risk posed by other birds.

DNA analysis conducted during the study revealed that approximately 10% of droppings collected contained Campylobacter, a bacterium that is a common cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms associated with this pathogen include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Despite this finding, researchers emphasized that no outbreaks of Campylobacter have been linked directly to cherries, and only one incident in history has been traced back to birds.

Smith highlighted the potential for kestrels to enhance food safety across various crops, particularly those associated with foodborne illness outbreaks, such as leafy greens. “They’re really good at keeping the amount of poop down,” she explained, noting that fewer droppings mean reduced opportunities for disease transmission.

While kestrels are not a panacea for all bird-related challenges, they present a viable strategy for growers seeking effective bird management solutions. Lindell acknowledged that the effectiveness of kestrels can vary by region, but the overall benefits they provide make them a valuable addition to farmers’ approaches.

As cherry growers prepare for the next season, the findings from Michigan State University underscore the importance of integrating natural predators into agricultural practices. This innovative strategy not only aims to protect crops but also prioritizes food safety, offering farmers a promising avenue for sustainable farming.

For more information, see the study titled “Falcons Reduce Pre-Harvest Food Safety Risks and Crop Damage From Wild Birds” in the Journal of Applied Ecology.