One of the main project‘s objective seeks to improve the breeding populations of various kestrel species while applying special technical measures. It is planned to erect 500 nesting boxes for kestrels on the electricity poles overall in Lithuania.

 

The Common Kestrel is widespread in the whole Lithuania, however very sporadically. The species is uncommon, the long-term abundance trends of the population are unknown, and therefore the Kestrel is included into Lithuanian Red Data Book. It is estimated that in the country breed approximately 300 pairs. In natural conditions birds usually breed in the abandoned nests of corvids, however quite often they are found in various niches of buildings and in the specially erected nesting boxes. It is expected that the nesting boxes will be occupied by the kestrel is the future and the population of this bird will increase. During the first stage the nesting boxes will be erected in the area, where the kestrels are observed during the breeding period. During the second stage the nesting boxes will be erected in the whole Lithuania.

 

For identification of the suitable places for the nesting boxes numerous ornithologists, working in the regions, were involved. Information about the breeding cases was collected from the past ten years. The biggest density was observed in Žemaitija, Dzūkija and norther Lithuania. During the first stage of the project 150 nesting boxes were erected. In cooperation with the specialists from the AB „Litgrid“ was decided to erect the nesting boxes on the electricity poles. The nesting boxes are erected at the seven metres high. The nesting box also includes special ledge, which is being used by the young birds – before leaving parents’ nest they train their wings. The inside of the box will be filled with the wood shavings.