Nesting Information:

The Open Space Division is continuing our partnership with the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI) to provide viewing opportunities of local raptor nesting activities via outdoor web cameras on select Open Space properties. An American Kestrel box with a live camera was installed in 2019 and a pair of kestrels nested in the box in 2020. We are hopeful they will begin nesting at this site regularly. American Kestrels typically initiate nesting activities from April to mid-June. The City of Louisville is excited to provide an opportunity for viewers to watch incubation, egg hatching, and feeding activities of American Kestrels during the breeding season. Below is some information on American Kestrels: 

• American Kestrels are common year-round residents of Boulder County and can be found throughout most of North America.
• They are the smallest and most widespread falcons in North America. They can be found in most open habitats with adequate cavities for nesting and perches for hunting.
• The species has been in decline due to loss of habitat, disease, and predation by larger owls and hawks.
• Unlike most raptors, the American Kestrel exhibits sexually dimorphic plumage, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. Males are more colorful than the females and have bluish grey wings; females have reddish-brown wings with black barring.
• Kestrels prey on insects, small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and small birds.
• Nesting Dates and Clutch Facts:
• Courtship: March to April
• Incubation: April to mid-June for 26-31 days; 3-6 eggs
• Fledging Period: Late April to mid-June for 26-31 days; average is 30 days. 80% is 24 days. Female cares for the young.

The City of Louisville would like to thank:

The Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (www.carriep.org)

2024 Clips: