Since 1972 the Kestrel populations of 2 study areas in Ayrshire, South West Scotland, have been monitored on an annual basis. This long term unbroken sequence of monitoring involves determining the full breeding cycle of kestrels in 30-35 nesting territories.
 

The data is analysed and submitted as part of the South Strathclyde Raptor Study Group report which is collated by the Raptor Monitoring Officer with material from other species in Scotland and published as an annual report.

This monitoring is vital to produce accurate information on the status of raptors to enable rational decisions to be made on their conservation.