Lynden, Washington

Kestrel Research

Kestrel research is ongoing at Seattle Pacific University and Trinity Western University, each contributing students to aid in the research. Ten orphaned kestrels — 5 males and 5 females — were rehabilitated and released this summer, and have now dispersed to the surrounding area. It is estimated that this has doubled the north Lynden kestrel population, and will tremendously increase the odds that kestrels will return to nest in the area next year. Kestrels have nested earlier this year in Skagit County to the south, as a result of nest enhancement work there over the last 2 years. For more information about the kestrel work, read this story from Trinity Western University.

Kate Steensma holding a young male kestrel on her hand. He was about to be released, after being raised as an orphan. Seattle Pacific University and Trinity Western University students are assisting on this trans boundary project which is occurring on both the Washington and British Columbia sides of the border. We have a scientific research permit from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to rehabilitate orphaned kestrels found in parts of the state where the species is plentiful, and release them in western Washington where they have been in decline. As part of the research we are trying to learn what their habitat/food needs are in order to rebuild the population on the west side.

Ben Steensma hand-feeding orphaned baby kestrels. The kestrels were fed every three hours during daylight hours for a couple of weeks until they were old enough to eat food placed before them. These kestrels were later released in the field where we continued to place food until they were hunting on their own

Five Loaves Farm

Now in its second successful year! Five Loaves has produced two satellite community gardens: Sonlight Community Church garden and the Lynden Methodist Church garden.