American Kestrel

Hook Mountain:  since 1971

American Kestrel darts past the watch site.

interpretation                                            other species                                about the trend lines

Trends for Kestrels are declining.

Interpretation (GRB):

Cause for Concern:  The number of Kestrels counted at Hook has shown considerable variation, but has generally been declining since 1971.  During the last 10 years, the decline seems to be more exaggerated, with numbers decreasing at a faster rate:  3 times faster.  Closer examination of the graph shows other periods with sharp declines, suggesting that we should not be too concerned.  However, the Kestrel counts for 8 of the last 9 years have been the lowest counts in the history of Hook, with 2008 and 2009 the lowest of all.

Seasonal Occurrence

About the trend lines:

The trend lines have not been tested for significance. Their intent is to provide an overview of the general trend.   The graphs show two trend lines:  1971 - present, and the last 10 years.  The Hook Mountain Hawk Watch began in 1971, and the points with blue markers indicate the totals for all these years.  The points that show red squares around the blue markers represent the last ten years, showing the trend in this last decade.          more about trend lines . . . .
 
Species
American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon
Broad-winged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk
Northern Harrier Black Vulture Turkey Vulture
Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper's Hawk Northern Goshawk
Osprey Bald Eagle Golden Eagle

  
HOOK Since 1971 FIRE NEHW Videos Bat's Bytes

Updated 12/12/2011, Trudy Battaly