Kestrels are in the falcon family, and like most falcons, they are primarily aerial hunters, preying on insects and small songbirds right out of midair. Although they nest in Vermont in the summer, their diet of insects drives them to migrate south in the wintertime where food is more abundant. Without full use of one wing and one eye, Montgomery would not have been capable of the behaviors necessary for a wild American Kestrel. He was placed in VINS’ permanent exhibits, where he is fed every day by volunteers and is kept warm during the winter with heat lamps.