Diann--I'm sure there are some of us out here who have had some experience
with the falconry trade. However, have never heard of kestrels or owls being
captured (by out-of-state falconers?) for the captured bird trade. Would be
glad to send out a signal to a few old-time birders in AZ and elsewhere but,
sorry to say, I don't know exactly what question to put to them, e.g., "Have
you heard of any odd captures of kestrels/owls in your area? Any Fish &
Wildlife requests to watch out for out-of-state license plates?"-- we
monitored these sorts of areas in AZ for several years looking for falconers
taking Harris's Hawks. Please keep us posted--don't know about the population
of kestrels but think that maybe Pygmy Owls are special. Good luck--

Murray Hansen
Graham, WA
MurrayH at aol.com