Summer@Rice interns are now a few weeks into their research projects and have been invited to share insights about their work over the coming months. The students in the program – which is based at VCU Rice Rivers Center – conduct research based in avian ecology, conservation or natural resource management.  The program consists of field research, field excursions and a class in the fall.

Mary Carson, an avian intern and American Kestrel Crewmember, writes about her work in Highland County, Virginia. Dan Albrecht-Mallinger, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, is her faculty mentor and field supervisor.

Notes from the Field: Mary Carson

“Avian Interns from the Summer@Rice 2025 Program have been monitoring American Kestrel nest boxes in Highland County, Virginia, throughout their reproductive cycle. As cavity nesters, kestrels readily use man-made nest boxes. This series of photos showcases each step of the kestrel's reproductive cycle: laying eggs in March and early April, hatching chicks in late April and May, with the chicks preparing to fledge in June. The final slide shows a male parent preparing to enter the nest box.

      

The quality of the photos of eggs and chicks is low because the photos are taken from a small, unobtrusive camera attached to a telescoping pole that is inserted through the nest box entrance hole. The use of a small pole camera minimizes disturbance of the adults and chicks during nest checks.

Nest monitoring is performed in collaboration with the Virginia Society of Ornithology, and provides valuable insight into the reproductive cycle and population dynamics of American Kestrels, considered a species of conservation concern due to widespread population declines.”

For more information on American Kestrel research by Rice Rivers Center affiliated faculty and students, read the VCU News story, “America’s smallest falcon captures the interest and insight of undergraduate researcher Kaylynn Breland.”