Ash the American Kestrel

Like many of our ambassadors, Ash is incapable of surviving in the wild because he imprinted onto humans instead of his own species, likely from being raised by an unlicensed member of the public. Ash was found as an adult in Bakersfield, leading us to believe that whoever raised him, kept Ash for well over a year before he was released or escaped, as he would not have survived in the wild long enough to grow his adult plumage otherwise.

American Kestrels are the smallest and most colorful falcons in North America. They are one of only three sexually dichromatic species of raptors in North America; Northern Harriers and Northern Goshawks being the other two. Male American Kestrels display a blue-gray cap & wings, and a rufous tail with a single broad subterminal black band. The wings and tail of females are rufous with black barring. Females generally select males based on their plumage, flight displays and their claimed nesting territory and potential nest cavities. If you live in open habitat or farmland that does not use insecticides or rodenticides, installing nest boxes is a great way to provide safe nesting sites for American Kestrels; a species currently in decline in North America. Free building plans on nest boxes designed for American Kestrels can be found here or boxes can purchased in our store for local pickup.