The Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project is a conservation project that has been running in Eagle Mountain for the last few years. This project is designed to help protect and encourage the growth of the American Kestrel population in Eagle Mountain. On April 14th, the EM Kestrel Project installed its 25th nest box. At first this box was going to be located on private property. Fionnuala B Kofoed, the Eagle Mountain City Recorder had this to say about the selection of the site. “the Mayor mentioning to me that Shon had contacted him regarding a new location. I told the Mayor I’d take care of it. The location Shon proposed was private property. I proposed another location, City property, and had the administrator and Planning sign off on it. Brad Hickman set up Blue Stakes for the pole installation.” The Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project is the brain child of Shon Reed. He has been the driving force of the project and has been working with the different groups and volunteers to make it successful. The project is a partnership with HawkWatch International.
This new box was installed by Shon Reed, Brian Smith, Zach Hyde and Kestyn Hyde. The pole was donated, as well as the use of the equipment used to install the pole. This pole was installed on property owned by Eagle Mountain City and is located close to the Ranches Golf Course.
The project has had a lot of support from the last two Eagle Mountain Mayors. Mayor Pengra helped the project, including installing another box on City Property at the beginning of the project. Mayor Westmoreland has been passed the baton and has continued to support the project. When asked about the Cities plans going forward and the installation of this new box, Mayor Westmoreland made the following statement.
“The Eagle Mountain kestrel project has been a great success and a model for other projects that I hope will be equally successful. The kestrel project will need continued support from the community if it is to last. I hope this effort does not stop there. I would like to see similar projects for other birds. Ultimately, boxing nests will not be enough. We need to look seriously at the resources it will take to maintain the eco system needed to support these animals. That means preserving open space as habitat for a variety of animals.
With thorough planning and a long range vision, I believe we can work together to preserve the needed space for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. As we all become active stewards of this wonderful area we can create a balance of economic growth with the preservation of the natural beauty and wonders that surround us. By working together we can insure that Eagle Mountain will be a unique place to live for many generations to come.”
The City has done several things in the past few months that will help protect the Kestrel population as well as keep areas for wildlife in the city. The city has recently passed a Buffering Ordinance, Ridgeline Protection Ordinance, as well as has worked with developers to keep the utility corridor free of development in some areas of the city (Sunset Flats). The Planning Commission has also recently voted to deny a rezone of a development along Lake Mountain Road to keep the powerline corridor free of residential buildings. If you ask most of the residents why they moved to Eagle Mountain, they will tell you it is for the open space, rural feel, and the wildlife.
The Kestrel project has also installed a webcam in one of the boxes it monitors. You can see the live stream from the webcam from this page: http://cedarvalleysentinel.com/kestrel/webcam/ Shon Reed recently posted on the Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project Facebook Page the following, with this video.
Shon Reed
“Hi all, thought you might like to see a timelapse of the recent snowstorm from inside a nest box as well as a bonus when a flicker tried to take the nest but was quickly denied by the female kestrel. It’s interesting to see the female defending the territory. Most of the footage is sped up but I slowed it to 100% when the birds are in the footage.”
There have been several boxes throughout Eagle Mountain that currently have a nesting pair of Kestrels as well was some that have had eggs reported in the nest boxes. You can read the recap on the project from last year in this article: Eagle Mountain Kestrel Project 2017 Recap
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.
