[birdky] Dead Kestrel

Found a female kestrel dead under my nest box at the barn this
afternoon.  Died of disease or collision I  suppose.  Only an owl could
have reached the box where it is located on the metal side of the barn
but I didn't see any damage to the bird.   Not sure what happened.  No
sign of the male or the young.  The bird was starting to deteriorate but
the tail and wing feathers were still intact and from the wear on the
feathers I believe this is my adult female from the nested pair.  I got
the ladder out and checked the box but found it empty.  This pair has
been present in the box since early March and I assume the young have
fledged.  Have had a pair in this box for the past 4 years and I never
do see the fledged young.  The adults simply disappear sometime in late
April/early May and I can only assume they take any young they have with
them right after fledging.  Hopefully another female will take over this
box next year.  
 
Scott Record
Ragland KY

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