Farmland Raptor Project

Project Overview

Raptors are important indicators of ecosystem health and benefit farmers and landowners by helping control insect, snake, and rodent populations. Raptors, grassland species in particular, are showing significant declines across their range due to habitat loss, increased development, changes in farming practices, and increased use of pesticides causing the reduction in prey species. Some of these raptors include the American kestrel, barn owl, and northern harrier, among others. With most of the land in the Southeast under private ownership, landowners are vital partners for the conservation of raptors and their habitats. Property owners can support raptor conservation by enhancing their lands to provide critical nesting opportunities and foraging habitats. The Farmland Raptor Project aims to engage with private landowners, communities, and others, bridging the gap between conservation efforts and landowners to create a collaborative approach for grassland raptor conservation in the Southeast.

This project is in its early stages, and we are currently targeting landowners in specific counties in East Tennessee and Northeastern Alabama, with plans to expand in the coming years. If you have farmland or appropriate open habitat, and would like to participate, please reference the information below and reach out to us by completing this form. If you would be interested in volunteering to assist with nest box construction, nest box monitoring, contribute materials, or other volunteer opportunities, please contact katheryn@mtmenvironmentalllc.com

Target Species

American Kestrel

Barn Owl

Northern Harrier

Short-eared Owl

Other Raptors of the Region

Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Golden Eagle
Merlin
Osprey

Peregrine Falcon
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture

Barred Owl
Eastern Screech Owl
Great Horned Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

How You Can Help

Report raptor sightings to help us better understand their distribution
- Please report sightings here!
- If you see a banded raptor, please report it to the Bird Banding Lab
Help improve or enhance habitat to encourage nesting:
- Leave snags (dead trees with existing cavities)
- Delay field mowing/haying activities during breeding season (March-July)
- Plant native grasses/pollinator fields to increase insect populations (food) during breeding season
- Maintain an area as untouched grasslands to provide winter foraging sites for short-eared owls and northern harriers
- Reduce use of pesticides/use safer alternatives
- Stop using rodenticides
Build and erect a nest box for barn owls or kestrels.
- If you are interested in our Adopt-A-Box program, please click here
- See below for information for nest box monitoring
Participate in voluntary programs that assist landowners to conserve vital habitat:
- Farm Wildlife Habitat Program (FWHP) – TWRA Habitat Programs and Grants
- USDA –NRCS Programs:
  - Conservation Enhancement Program (CREP) – NRCS
  - Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) ~ RCPP Native Grasslands Advantage (TN/KY only)
  - NRCS Service Center Information
Help us promote the Farmland Raptor Project and encourage other landowners to join us in the cause.
Donate to the Farmland Raptor Project! All monetary contributions directly fund our efforts. Make your donation here. Donations will receive a charitable receipt email from Foothills Land Conservancy.
Visit the Farmland Raptor Project online shop! A portion of the proceeds directly fund our efforts.

If you would be interested in volunteering to assist with nest box construction, nest box monitoring, contribute materials, social media content, or other volunteer opportunities related to this project, please contact katheryn@mtmenvironmentalllc.com

Nest Box Monitoring

Regular monitoring of kestrel and barn owl nest boxes is essential for tracking occupancy, breeding success, site fidelity, distribution, and identifying environmental changes that may impact species survival. For guidance on conducting monitoring effectively and safely for the birds, please refer to the Nest Box Monitoring Guide (link coming). Below is a summary of essential guidelines for effective monitoring.

If you have a nest box installed, please complete the monitoring form below
- Nest Box Installation Form
- Nest Box Monitoring Form
Regular monitoring of kestrel nest boxes is essential for tracking occupancy, nesting success, and overall bird health. Here are key guidelines for effective monitoring:

Monitoring Schedule

Early Season (February – March): Add 2-3 inches of untreated wood chips to nest box in February before birds choose nesting sites. In March, check for signs of activity (i.e., whitewash from birds pooping/or other term, flattened bedding material, bird activity near box, etc.)
Breeding Season (March – July): Inspect boxes 1-2 times per month to document total number of eggs and chicks. Limit number of visits and time spent checking the box to reduce disturbance.
Late Season (August – January): Conduct a final check to assess nest success. Clean out old nesting material and conduct any necessary repairs in preparation for the next season.

What to Look For

Adult kestrels and barn owls may perch nearby or defend the box
Kestrels: 4-6 eggs that are white to pale brown, usually spotted with brown and gray. Barn owls: 3-8 eggs that are dull white, often dirtied by the nest
Nestlings – Hatch after about 30 days, covered in white down.
Fledging – Young kestrels leave the box around 28–30 days after hatching and barn owls fledge around 50-55 days post-hatching.

Data Collection

Please use the provided Nest Box Monitoring Form to record your observations. Be sure to check nests carefully. Record key details such as:

Date of visit
Presence of kestrels or other species
Number of eggs or chicks
Signs of predation or disturbance

Best Practices

Use a mirror or camera on a pole to inspect without disturbing the birds.
Limit time at the box to minimize stress.
Avoid checking during extreme weather or high-activity times (e.g., feeding).

Post-Season Maintenance

Remove old nesting material and clean box to prevent spread of disease and parasites.
Repair or replace damaged boxes.
Add predator guard to the post if predation was an issue and resulted in nest failure.

Regular monitoring helps support kestrels and barn owl populations and provides valuable insights into their nesting success, distribution, and habitat use, among other important factors.