North America’s smallest falcon?

532697+19371535.jpg — Last summer, Zach and Jacob Cater of Pennington County had a close encounter with Minnesota's smallest falcon, the American kestrel. This year, you can, too. Find out how at 6 p.m. March 11 in the Crookston Library. University of Minnesota-Crookston senior Andy Albertsen will present a free program on the new Crookston Kestrel Watch project, and he's looking for volunteers.

By Herald Staff Report

February 23, 2014 at 9:45 AM

A re you interested in getting a close-up look at North America’s smallest falcon? The Crookston Kestrel Watch could be just the ticket.

Andy Albertsen, a senior at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, is coordinating the watch, a citizen science project that is part of a nationwide monitoring program through the American Kestrel Partnership.

“The goal of this project is to engage everyday citizens who have a strong affinity toward birds, or those who simply enjoy outdoor activities, in this long-term monitoring project,” Albertsen said. “I am trying to spread the word and generate interest in this project with the hope of recruiting volunteers from the community.”

According to Albertsen, the kestrel project is a continuation of ongoing efforts by northwest Minnesota watershed districts. There currently are 25 kestrel nest boxes in northwest Minnesota, he said, and 10 more will be added through the Crookston Kestrel Watch.

This summer, volunteers will visit each of the boxes one time to band the kestrels, using a fishing net placed over the box to capture and band the adult birds when they fly out. A licensed bird bander will be on hand to oversee the process, Albertsen said; any chicks also will be banded and returned to the nest box.

An informational meeting about the area kestrel watch is set for 6 p.m. March 11 in the Crookston Public Library. The meeting is open to anyone interested in participating in the project; no experience is necessary.

For more information, contact Albertsen at (320) 766-9450, alber338@umn.edu ; or Dennis Jacobs, Crookston Public Library, (218) 281-4522 or jacobsd@larl.org .

North America’s smallest falcon?

Are you interested in getting a close-up look at North America's smallest falcon? The Crookston Kestrel Watch could be just the ticket. Andy Albertsen, a senior at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, is coordinating the watch, a citizen scienc...