An American kestrel—the size of a large coffee mug—helps northern Michigan cherry growers cut losses and boost food safety. By installing cavity nest boxes, growers create a landscape of fear that dramatically reduces damage (more than 10x in one study) and trims bird droppings. The economics are striking: nest boxes cost about $115 upfront with roughly $22/year maintenance; benefit–cost ratios range from $84 to $357 saved per dollar spent; regional models project 46–50 new jobs and $2.2–$2.4 million in new income over five years. The approach generalizes to other crops and offers a pesticide-free story powered by native wildlife. 

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