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Kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus)
Habitat
Unimproved Grassland
Semi-improved grassland
Kestrel on the Greatham Site
Kestrel are fairly common over the Greatham site, but do not breed
on site. The large areas of unimproved grassland on site provide
excellent hunting grounds for their prey species of Common shrew
and Field vole. The large amount of small mammals on site attracts
Kestrel, which are common over the local area. It is hoped that,
in future, Kestrel could breed on site. The large amounts of grassland
on site could support pairs of breeding Kestrel, if they had suitable
breeding locations. These could be in the form of Kestrel nest boxes.
Kestrel already nest on other industrial sites in the Tees Valley.
Status in UK and Europe
Kestrel are widespread, with over 50,000 pairs in Britain. Kestrel
are the most widespread British raptor.
Local Status
Kestrel are fairly common residents locally, nesting at industrial
sites in the county. The population in Cleveland is estimated at
about 30-40 pairs.
Objectives for Kestrel on the Greatham Site
- Encourage Kestrel to breed on site.
Management Plan for Kestrel on the Greatham Site
- Kestrel nesting boxes could be housed on the glider
poles on the site.
- Continue monitoring of Kestrel on site, to assess numbers of Kestrel
feeding over the site, and to assess the success of Kestrel nest boxes.
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