American kestrels, North America’s smallest falcons, work around the clock to manage pests on some cherry orchards. | Bryant Aardema/Getty Images If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a warm slice of cherry pie this holiday, you should probably thank this bird.  It’s an American kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, which is roughly the size of a blue jay. And in some parts of Michigan — the nation’s tart cherry capital — this bird helps farmers produce cherries.  Key takeaways New research shows that American kestrels, small birds of prey, can help cherry farmers manage pest...

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