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Abstract. – Empirical evidence shows that avian incubation behavior and nesting success can be negatively affected by human disturbances such as noise and pollution from urbanization or tourism near breeding areas. These effects may be mediated by changes in a bird’s physiology in response to stress. I hypothesize that investigator disturbance negatively affects incubation behavior and concentrations of hormones that promote or interrupt parental care. I predict that varied frequencies of investigator disturbance will have varied effects on American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) nest attendance and that these effects will be reflected by changes in corticosterone and progesterone levels and, finally, that investigator disturbance will affect nest survival rates. Nest attendance will be monitored with Ibutton temperature data loggers, and blood samples will be taken prior to and following the completion of treatments to compare potential changes in hormone levels. These results will provide insight into the effects of investigator disturbance on American Kestrel incubation behavior and nest survival and encourage appropriate study methods.