Monitoring raptor populations is a long game. Here at HawkWatch International, we try not to put too much emphasis on what happens in any particular year, given the fluctuations that can happen due to a wide variety of conditions like drought, fire, prey populations, and more. That said, the past…

This migration season has been a bit slow to start, but we have finally reached a steady flow of migrants. Across the board, our crews have observed high numbers of Swainson’s Hawks this fall. We are only partway through the season, and there is still analysis to be done comparing…

Have you ever visited a raptor migration count site and wondered what happens to all the information counters spend months collecting? The latest scientific analysis by the internationally award-winning Raptor Population Index Project (RPI) uses decades worth of count data from across North America to show long-term and short-term trends…

As we all take time to experience the magic of migration, you’ve no doubt seen lots of info from us about how and why we count migrating raptors, as well as tips and tricks to improve your raptor ID skills. But during this time of the season, our teams can…

We are happy to announce the three awardees of our Jerry Liguori Raptor Conservation and Education Scholarship! The loss of Jerry left a hole in our community, and this scholarship was formed to honor Jerry and his contributions to raptor conservation by creating a way for his work to continue…

Our Grand Canyon HawkWatch is one of our most visited sites, seeing nearly 1,500 visitors each fall. This count site is also the only spot in our network where you can see the Critically Endangered California Condor. So far, our crew has counted 442 individuals of 17 different species. Together…

In a typical year, our Manzano Mountains HawkWatch sees around 5,000 to 7,000 migrants of around 18 different species. So far, our crew has counted 453 individuals of 18 different species, meaning there are lots more birds coming their way! Turkey Vultures make up the majority of the current count,…

This fall marks 20 years of counting raptors at Commissary Ridge HawkWatch. All those years ago, we saw a gap in coverage of long-term raptor migration surveys in the Central Rockies between Montana and New Mexico. After conducting surveys across the state, Commissary Ridge came out on top with high…

Interim Director of International Programs Dr. Megan Murgatroyd was selected today as a finalist for a prestigious award in recognition of her contributions toward saving some of the world’s most threatened birds. Officials from the Indianapolis Prize, the world’s leading award for animal conservation, selected Dr. Megan “Meg” Murgatroyd as…

This is the 28th annual count of migrating raptors at Bonney Butte HawkWatch. Our crew has counted 193 birds of 17 different species. The count has been relatively distributed, with high numbers of Red-tailed Hawks, Osprey, and Sharp-shinned Hawks.  This year is also exciting for Bonney Butte HawkWatch because something…