The effect of local weather conditions and nest box location on the reproduction of the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in the farmland of eastern Poland

Abstract

Artificial nests like nest boxes are commonly used to improve the reproductive output and population status of wild birds and advance our understanding of their evolutionary ecology. To investigate how the location of nest boxes and local weather conditions affect Common Kestrel reproduction (number of fledglings), 319 broods from 173 nest boxes in east-central Poland were examined. Of the six meteorological parameters analysed, only mean temperature and maximum temperature were selected as the best model. Mean daily temperature had a positive effect but maximum temperature a negative one on Common Kestrel reproduction. The first egg laying date was negatively correlated with the number of fledglings. Contrary to the assumption that trees should offer a superior microclimate in the canopy, nest boxes placed on utility poles have the same numbers of fledglings. The area of the main habitat type is not decisive in Common Kestrel productivity either. These findings may be helpful for ongoing conservation programmes and confirm that utility poles should be the preferred form of deployment of nest boxes as they are easier to monitor and maintain.