American Kestrel

Hook Mountain:  since 1971

American Kestrel darts past the watch site.

interpretation                  other species              about the trend lines         seasonal distribution

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 trend has leveled off, declining less.  Closer examination of the graph shows periods with sharp declines and sharp increases, suggesting that we should not be too concerned about an occasional low number of Kestrels.  However, the Kestrel counts for the last 11 years have been the lowest counts in the history of Hook, with 2019 the lowest of all.  Hopefully, Kestrel counts will not decline further.  Better yet, we hope for a recovery in the years ahead.


Seasonal Distribution
Kestrel Seasonal Distribution

 

American Kestrel 1988 - present

About the trend lines:

The intent of the trend lines 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.    

The "Since 1971" trend line in blue was tested for significance.  Equations in bold are statistically significant.  The "Last 10 Year" trend was not tested for significance.      
 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
    Rough-legged Hawk

  

HOOK Since 1971 FIRE NEHW Videos Bat's Bytes

Updated 01/09/2020, Trudy Battaly