In 1998, when Connecticut's list of endangered and threatened species was revised, the American Kestrel was added as a species of special concern. This stemmed from the observations of biologists and birders alike that the kestrel population appears to be declining in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states. Raptor specialists have based their assumption of a declining kestrel population on decreases in banding records and sightings of kestrels and on low counts of kestrels in recent years during the National Audubon Society's annual Christmas Bird Count. According to results from the Christmas Bird Counts, the count of kestrels in southern New England has declined by as much as 90% over the last 20 years.

A decrease in favored habitat is probably the cause of the kestrel's decline. Kestrels need open, grassy or shrubby areas with short vegetation in which to hunt their prey. They also require natural tree cavities for nesting. Earlier in the century, when agriculture was at its peak in Connecticut, wildlife species that prefer grasslands and open habitats, such as kestrels, cottontail rabbits and various grassland birds, were more numerous.

However, today, with the disappearance of agriculture and the open habitats it provides, the regrowth of forests and an increase in suburban development, open, grassy areas are in short supply. Because of this change in Connecticut's landscape, many wildlife species that rely on these open areas have been experiencing long-term declines. Kestrels are further impacted by a lack of natural tree cavities located near open habitat; although kestrel nest boxes placed in the appropriate habitat can provide needed nest sites.

To help assess the current status of both the wintering and breeding populations of kestrels, a study has been initiated in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Tom Harrington, a private citizen who has a keen interest in kestrels, is organizing and coordinating this study.

He is relying on volunteers to collect information, share data on kestrel nest boxes and conduct roadside surveys of raptors in open areas throughout southern New England. Of particular importance is information on any sightings of kestrels during December to February and also between May and the end of August. Sightings of kestrels during these months, along with information on the date and time of day when a bird was seen and its sex, can be reported to Tom Harrington at (860)423-2041 or send e-mail to: tomh@neca.com. Those interested in volunteering for the Southern New England American Kestrel Population Study should also contact Tom.