American Kestrel Nestbox Cam
Falco and Kate are two American Kestrels using a nestbox on the northwest side of Tucson. Falco is the male and has triangular pattern on the back and blue-gray wings. Kate is the female with striped back and brown back and wings. Both have a false eye shape on the back of their heads which creates the “always watching predator” look, especially prominent in night vision on the camera.
This nestbox was installed on private property when the homeowner noticed a pair of kestrels hanging around this lone saguaro back in 2019. It lacked cavities and since kestrels are secondary cavity nesters, they could not utilize it for nesting. This area otherwise was the perfect habitat for the pair so the nestbox went up on the saguaro as an experiment. A hose and paracord were used for attachment to avoid damaging the saguaro. Almost immediately the pair began to investigate it and nested in it that year! Now outfitted with a camera, this nestbox provides a glimpse into the intimate part of the American Kestrel lives.

Kestrel box on a saguaro by Olya Phillips
Check out the timeline on the right side of the page to see if you missed anything during live broadcast.
This live-feed camera is part of Tucson Audubon’s Desert Nestbox Initiative and is made possible by donations.
Questions or comments? Email us at nestbox@tucsonaudubon.org
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120 Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
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520 629-0510
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Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120
Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
RARE BIRD ALERT
FIELD TRIPS
JOIN
DONATE
e-News sign up
520 629-0510
CONTACT US
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120
Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
RARE BIRD ALERT
FIELD TRIPS
JOIN
DONATE
e-News sign up
520 629-0510
CONTACT US