To date, our focus has been comprehensive monitoring of all active nests of focal species found within the study area on accessible lands, emphasizing open woodland, cliff, and shrubsteppe habitats characteristic of the northern Great Basin. For logistical reasons, we generally do not survey high-elevation coniferous forests that are more likely to harbor nesting accipiters (Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks and Northern Goshawks). Our six primary focal species include Golden Eagles, Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson's Hawks, Prairie Falcons, and Burrowing Owls. We also seek to monitor all nesting of uncommon Peregrine Falcons in the region, with our survey having documented the first eyries of this species in the region since the 1960s. We also monitor Common Raven nesting activities because they routinely swap nests with several of the raptor species. Other species for which we opportunistically gather limited nesting information include Great Horned Owls, Long-eared Owls, Western Screech-Owls, Barn Owls, American Kestrels, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Northern Goshawks, Northern Harriers, and Turkey Vultures. After the 2007 season, our combined Utah-Nevada survey database included records for more than 2,500 raptor and raven nests, with roughly 2/3 of these in Utah.

In any given year, only a portion of the known nests will be used. Through multiple visits to observe nests and adult behaviors, our surveyors determine which nests are being used and record information to first confirm nest initiation (eggs laid), then hatching success and initial brood size, and finally fledgling production (or chicks reared to at least 80% of the typical fledging age for the species). To minimize disturbance to nesting raptors, our surveyors use high-power optics and view nesting activities only from a distance early in the season when the chance of disturbance is greater, and in general rely on knowledge of behavioral cues and adherence to strict protocols to maximize the efficiency of their survey efforts. HWI has developed a comprehensive, relational database system to store all nest location and productivity data collected during the surveys. The system includes detailed information about nest-site characteristics (e.g., location, substrate, nest type and structure, exposure parameters, surrounding habitats and land-use activities, and nest condition data) as well as integrated digital photos of all nest sites to facilitate re-finding nests in future seasons. We routinely provide annual updates of this database to our three primary agency sponsors. The database, companion GIS information, and annual technical reports summarizing productivity trends provide a scientifically defensible basis for making land-management decisions and developing ecosystem management plans for the region that maintain healthy raptor populations and the proper functioning of Great Basin ecosystems. Moreover, several of our focal species warrant special conservation status. Ferruginous Hawks and Burrowing Owls are listed as Wildlife of Special Concern in the State of Utah. While Utah removed the Swainson's Hawk from the Special Concern list due to stabilizing intermountain populations, Partners in Flight (PIF) identifies Swainson's Hawks as a Continental Watch list species. The PIF North American Land Bird Conservation Plan also lists Ferruginous Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, and Prairie Falcons as species deserving priority attention in relation to conservation of shrubsteppe, sagebrush–grassland, and pinyon-juniper habitats in the Basin & Range Physiographic Area.

The annual reports HWI prepares each year summarize rates of occupation, nesting attempts, and nesting success by species; examine inter-annual trends in various nest success and productivity parameters; and discuss effects of human activities on nesting birds in the area. Our latest annual reports are state-specific: Northwest Utah Raptor Nest Survey and Northeast Nevada Raptor Nest Survey.