Newsletter Archives

New at the Nest

Our customers are valuable to us. We continually search for new and better ways to serve you. In an effort to better meet your needs, BestNest aggressively adds new products to the website. Some of the new and exciting products that we've added are shown below. Be sure to check out our New Items department regularly.

Sales & Specials

We've decided to run a special on a handful of products. Act now on the following "Hot Buys" because the special ends on Monday, March 28th. Be sure to check out all of our exciting specials by visiting the Hot Buys department regularly.

Clearance

A few of our deeply discounted items appear below. These items feature exceptional savings and value but are not all of our sale items. More discounted items may be found in their corresponding departments. Be sure to check out some of our other exciting deals by visiting the Clearance department regularly.

All About Kestrels

Birds of prey have fascinated us for centuries, and are some of the most recognizable birds seen in North America. The American kestrel is a colorful, adaptable bird of prey that we see in every state across the continental United States. If you tend to watch the cables alongside the road while you drive, as many birders do, you have most likely seen an American kestrel. By paying close attention, you can distinguish these from other birds by the two black vertical bars on each side of their face, and black barring along the back and wings. The ivory-colored belly of the males contrasts the blue/gray on their crown and wings, differentiating them from the rust-colored females. The long, narrow wings of both sexes aid them in effortless flight and diving to capture their prey and our attention. These small falcons act as a natural pest control, and readily roost in man supplied nest boxes. Which is good, considering that deforestation and habitat loss has greatly reduced the viable nest sites for these birds.

These supremely adaptable birds inhabit open areas, including deserts, grasslands, and meadows, and range throughout the American continent. We frequently see them living amongst us in urban areas, where there is plenty of room for flight and hunting. These amazing falcons often leave their perch to hover in a wind draft watching the area below them, waiting for a fleeting opportunity to capture their prey. As birds of prey, American kestrels can offer a natural, chemical-free type of pest control in your area. Mice, voles, lizards, and large insects make up the majority of the kestrel�s diet. Kestrels have been known to feed on smaller birds, which is something to keep in mind for the avid birder with feeders in their backyard.

Kestrels prefer a cavity for making their nest; and in the past, had predominantly relied on previously excavated openings. With loss of natural habitat, man made houses are becoming a more important resource for the kestrel. Houses placed 12' to 30' high on a wall or post and nearby an open area or field have proven most successful for kestrels. They prefer a 3" diameter entry hole approximately 10-12 inches above the floor. When placed high, the house offers a perfect vantage point while keeping the nest safe from other predators.

The colorful and exciting American Kestrel has been celebrated throughout the ages. Its vivid plumage, keen hunting skills, and amazing adaptability keep us all intrigued. BestNest carries a selection of Kestrel Houses that are perfect for inviting these falcons into your area. For more personal assistance, please call one of our customer service representatives toll free at 877-562-1818 from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.