The cherry harvest wrapped up months ago. But in northern Michigan, some growers are already anticipating the spring resurgence of a tiny raptor that could benefit next season’s crop.

The American kestrel is the smallest falcon in the U.S. As birds of prey, kestrels deter smaller birds that like to snack on farmers’ fruit. But new research suggests that these winged security guards may have an additional benefit: food safety.

“They're cool to watch in flight,” said lead author Olivia Smith. They hover in mid-air as they scan the ground below for insects, mice and small birds.

By shooing cherry-pecking birds away, kestrels also keep them from contaminating crops with their droppings, the new findings show.