Finally all nesting boxes for the Common Kestrels were erected on the high voltage electricity pylons across the country. The ornithologists from the Lithuanian Ornithological Society have checked all nesting boxes before the start of the breading season. It can be stated, that a new record has been achieved as out of 487 checked nesting boxes 100 were occupied by birds. The Kestrels successfully breed and raised new generation in 87 nesting boxes, which makes 17,9 % out of all erected nests. This year Kestrels successfully occupied new places in Akmenė, Šiauliai, Kėdainiai, Šilutė, Marijampolė districts. More nests were occupied in Alytus and Palanga districts. The biggest increase was recorded in Klaipeda district, where 24 nests were occupied in 2018 compared to 10 in 2017.  Significant change was also observed in Kretinga district, where the increase from 3 to 10 occupied nesting boxes respectively was registered. On average 3,3 juveniles were raised in one nest, which makes in total 287 chicks in all nesting boxes.

 

It can be stated, that majority of the Lithuanian Kestrel population breeds in the nesting boxes, which have been erected during the project. Observations show that Kestrels occupying nesting boxes, which were erected 2-3 years ago and the population expands to the new territories.

 

J.Morkūnas photo