Description: With American kestrel populations continuing to decline over the past five decades, researchers are puzzled as to the potential cause(s). One potential hypothesis that has been overlooked by many researchers involves predatory interactions with Cooper’s hawks, which have been increasing in numbers over the same period of time. Cooper’s hawks, as generalist predators of many bird species, are known to eat kestrels occasionally, but could they be eating enough kestrels to really make a difference? In this program, we will discuss the potential non-consumptive impacts Cooper’s hawks are having on kestrel behavior, survival, and chick development, which may help us understand how these populations may be intertwined.

Bio: Mercy is the Wildlife Management Supervisor for the PA Game Commission’s Northcentral region. Prior to this position, she obtained her bachelor’s degree at Cedar Crest College, and her PhD at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Throughout both degrees, she researched American kestrels to better understand their diet, gut microbiome, chick development, survival, response to contaminants, and response to urbanization. Today she will be discussing her most recent manuscript, which focuses on the interactions between kestrels and Cooper’s hawks, and how those interactions may be influencing kestrel population declines.

There is parking behind the museum and in the lot behind Trinity Church. Please enter through the side door off the museum parking lot. All are welcome!

If you would like to view the program, but are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom. Simply click on this link to join the meeting: uhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88669438387