February 10, 2008 - Kestrel Courtship Welcome to the Nature Notebook. February is a month for romance. After all, it’s when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Among raptors, the small American Kestrel begins courtship this month. Shortly after the male kestrel establishes his territory, he begins making short flights in search of a mate. He tries to wow a prospective female with dives from 30 to 60 feet high, ending just above her head. Then he present’s her with food he has caught. It might not be as romantic as giving flowers or chocolate but, no doubt, shows that he is a capable provider. Once a bond is established between a pair, the male kestrel will lead the female through his territory to look at cavity nesting sites. And as with many couples, the female ultimately makes the final decision on where they will raise their young. That is romance kestrel style. This is PPL's naturalist, Jon Beam, with the Nature Notebook for WVIA.