Topa the American Kestrel

Topa was hatched in the Spring of 2022 and admitted as a malimprint in the Fall. He was likely found as a young chick and illegally raised and released by an unlicensed member of the public. Ojai Raptor Center goes to great lengths to ensure that any young raptors admitted to our hospital are socialized with other like species and not habituated to the humans caring for them, so they may be successfully released back to the wild.

American Kestrels are year-round residents of California as are most populations in the southernmost parts of their range. These tiny falcons prefer open habitat and can be observed most easily along farmland while perched on utility lines, fences and telephone posts, or as they hover in place, facing into the wind before diving for small prey below. While still common in California, American Kestrels are in decline throughout North America. The definitive cause is still unknown but scientists believe that a combination of factors are to blame; less insects present as a food source, exposure to pesticides, shrinking habitat, fewer nesting spots, climate change, ands possibly increased predation by hawks (namely Cooper’s Hawks). You can help American Kestrels by installing nest boxes. Free building plans for American Kestrel nesting boxes can be found here or boxes can be purchased from our store for local pickup.