This map shows where I have seen kestrels in the Cape Town environment during the last year. Click on the rectangles to see greater detail and where I think there are possible breeding pairs.
Over the last six months, I have been recording all my sightings of Rock Kestrels in the Cape Town area. These sightings are obviously made during my daily traveling around which is mostly between my home in Glencairn in the south and my work in Montague Gardens in the north. However, over time, places can be identified where I regularly saw kestrels. These may just have been non-breeding birds using good hunting areas through the winter. Alternatively, it is possible that these birds are resident kestrels with a nest site nearby.
Below is a map showing the sighting locations. You can click on the boxes to get an enlarged view on which I have outlined where I think there are possible nesting pairs.
The Challenge
It is going to be difficult for me to find these new nests, so I would be most interested to hear from anyone who has any information on where these pairs may breed. Maybe you also drive these roads regularly and may have seen a kestrel carrying food in a certain driection. Or maybe you work in a building in one of these territories and have noticed the kestrels sitting on a nearby building or possible nest site. Or maybe you live near one of these places would like a new birding challenge to see if you can find a kestrel nest. If you would like to help, or have additional information, please contact me. Also take a look at the Watching Kestrels for tips on what behaviour to look out for, and if you want to help with this project, there is a form that you can download to use as a template for recording information in the Volunteer Network section as well as a list of additional sites that I need help with.
Map of Kestrel sightings
This map shows where I have seen kestrels in the Cape Town environment during the last year. Click on the rectangles to see greater detail and where I think there are possible breeding pairs.