HawkWatch International

Legends of the Cliffs: Nesting Raptors with Don Paul
2025-06-14 08:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | South Weber Park and Ride, 7750 S Frontage Rd, South Weber, 84405, United States
Spend a field trip exploring the ecology of some of Utah’s most charismatic raptors. Explore areas along the Weber River and the surrounding landscape in Morgan and Summit counties. Our primary interest will be observing nesting and foraging diurnal and nocturnal raptors in their habitats. Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks, Turkey Vultures, Ospreys, American Kestrels, and Great Horned Owls will be our primary focus. We will be on the lookout for Prairie and Peregrine Falcons, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, and the Northern Harrier. The guides will explain and help identify nesting strategies, behavior, and predator/prey relationships as we observe them in the field.
Meeting Location: South Weber Park and Ride
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (please arrive 10–15 minutes early)
What’s Included: Boxed lunch and transportation
Ticket Price: $120
Register Now
Your Guides
Don S. Paul
Don is a career wildlife biologist having served 34 years in several positions for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and five years as Great Basin Bird Conservation Region Coordinator for the Intermountain West Joint Venture. He served five years on the Waterbird Conservation Council of the Americas. He is a past president of the Utah Chapter of the Wildlife Society and past Chair of the Linking Communities Project. He is published in both scientific and popular conservation literature. His career emphasis takes two directions, conservation biology with emphases in international community conservation linkages and avian conservation with experience in large-scale landscape bird monitoring. He is currently President of AvianWest Inc., an avian conservation consulting business.

Melissa Halvorsen
Melissa credits her love of animals to early years spent following her biologist father around in the field whenever she wasn’t in school. After pursuing a B.A. in English from Weber State University, she began working as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service. It was doing this work that helped her realize she could unite her love of storytelling and the natural world by working as an informal environmental educator. Since then, she has worked for Utah State Parks, Ogden Nature Center, Alpine School District, and most recently, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as the Engagement and Learning Manager. Melissa has certifications in Environmental Education from Utah State University and Instructional Design from the University of Utah. Melissa is excited to share HawkWatch’s mission with the world and hopes to reach new audiences with creative approaches to teaching and learning.
Are You a VIP (Very Interested Person)?
This field trip is offered as part of Wings Across the World and can be purchased as a stand-alone experience or as part of our Very Interested Person (VIP) Package, which includes:

One field trip on Thursday, 6/12
One field trip on Saturday, 6/14
A ticket to the Wings Across the World Fundraiser on Friday, 6/13

Purchase your $550 VIP pass here.
Terms & Conditions
1. Full payment is required to reserve your spot and is subject to HawkWatch International’s Field Trip and Tour Policies.
2. This tour is limited to 8 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience for everyone.
3. In the event of poor weather or other suboptimal conditions in the area, we may choose alternate locations for the field trip as a substitute. Refunds are not available.

Raptors of the Great Salt Lake: An Antelope Island Adventure
2025-06-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Antelope Island State Park, 4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse, UT, 84075, United States
An Antelope Island Adventure awaits! Join HawkWatch International’s team for a day of hawkwatching, bird watching, and exploring one of Utah’s most famous state parks. From American Kestrels to Burrowing Owls, learn more about the work your trip is supporting right on the Island as well as the broader conservation challenges in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to see other fan favorites like the American Bison.
Meeting Location: Parking lot outside the Antelope Island ticket booth
Time: 10 am-2 pm (please arrive 10–15 minutes early)
What’s Included: Boxed lunch and transportation around the island in a private, 15-passenger van
Group Size: 20 people max (10 per van)
Ticket Price: $85
Register Now
Are You a VIP (Very Interested Person)?
This field trip is offered as part of Wings Across the World and can be purchased as a stand-alone experience or as part of our Very Interested Person (VIP) Package, which includes:

One field trip on Thursday, 6/12
One field trip on Saturday, 6/14
A ticket to the Wings Across the World Fundraiser on Friday, 6/13

Purchase your $550 VIP pass here.
Terms & Conditions
1. Full payment is required to reserve your spot and is subject to HawkWatch International’s Field Trip and Tour Policies.
2. This trip is limited to 20 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience for everyone.
3. In the event of poor weather or other suboptimal conditions in the area, we may choose alternate locations for the field trip as a substitute. Refunds are not available.

Reading with Raptors at Discovery Gateway
2024-05-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
Join HawkWatch International at the Discovery Gateway Museum for Reading with Raptors! During this monthly program, children meet one of HWI’s Raptor Ambassadors while reading a storybook that matches the bird they’ve just met. They’ll learn about raptors and enjoy a great story. Included with admission to the museum; no registration is necessary!
This program is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Crepuscular Creatures: Exploring Antelope Island by Day & Night
2025-06-14 16:00 - 23:00 | Antelope Island State Park, 4528 West 1700 South, Syracuse, UT, 84075, United States
For those looking for the ultimate raptor experience, this special field trip crosses from day into night! Join HawkWatch International scientists at Antelope Island to search for both diurnal and nocturnal raptors, including American Kestrels, Golden Eagles, and Burrowing Owls. If conditions allow, we may also attempt to trap Burrowing Owls to support ongoing conservation research.
Meeting Location: Parking lot outside the Antelope Island ticket booth
Time: 4-11 pm ( please arrive 10–15 minutes early)
What’s Included: Dinner and transportation around the island
Trip Size: 10 people max
Ticket Price: $300

Register Now
Are You a VIP (Very Interested Person)?
This field trip is offered as part of Wings Across the World and can be purchased as a stand-alone experience or as part of our Very Interested Person (VIP) Package, which includes:

One field trip on Thursday, 6/12
One field trip on Saturday, 6/14
A ticket to the Wings Across the World Fundraiser on Friday, 6/13

Purchase your $550 VIP pass here.
Terms & Conditions
1. Full payment is required to reserve your spot and is subject to HawkWatch International’s Field Trip and Tour Policies.
2. This trip is limited to 10 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience for everyone.
3. In the event of poor weather or other suboptimal conditions in the area, we may choose alternate locations for the field trip as a substitute. Refunds are not available.

Birds and Yoga
2025-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Fairmont Park, 1040 E Sugarmont Dr, Salt Lake City, 84106, United States
Join us for a free yoga session alongside our Raptor Ambassadors at Fairmount Park! Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness, get in a good workout, and ground ourselves in the present moment. During this 1-hour outdoor class, we will provide a bird-themed yoga practice from certified yoga instructor Shana Helps and a chance to meet our Raptor Ambassadors. You’ll even have the chance to take a picture with our birds at the end of the program!
We recommend coming five to ten minutes early to get settled before the program begins.
This class is free, with a suggested donation of $10 to support the care of our Raptor Ambassadors.
REGISTER HERE
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Raptors at the Bingham Creek Library
2025-06-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Bingham Creek Library, 4834 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT, 84081, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Bingham Creek Library and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Bird of Prey Show at Alta
2025-06-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Our Lady of the Snows Center, 10185 E Hwy 210, Alta, 84092, United States
Spend an hour in the mountains with live Raptor Ambassadors! Join us for a free show at the Our Lady of the Snows Center. Our team of expert educators will share the important roles these creatures play in our ecosystems and how you can participate in conserving these raptors, and you’ll meet two of our Raptor Ambassadors.
No registration is required for this event.
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Raptors at the Anderson-Foothill Library
2025-06-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Anderson-Foothill Library, 1135 S 2100 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Anderson-Foothill Library and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

UNP Partners in the Park: Parkway Park
2025-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Parkway Park, 405 Parkway Blvd, West Valley City, 84119, United States
Learn about education opportunities, connect with resources, enjoy food, music, and time with friends and neighbors at these FREE community events!
You can learn more here: https://www.partners.utah.edu/partners-in-the-park/
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Raptor Meet & Great at the Natural History Museum of Utah
2025-05-31 12:00 - 14:00 | Natural History Museum of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, United States
While you learn about Mesozoic dinosaurs like the Utah Raptor, stop by and meet their modern day relatives: birds of prey! What traits to dinosaurs and modern raptors share? Where do these birds live? What threats do they face? Learn all of this and more with paid admission to the NHMU. Find admission information on their website or in person.
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Educator Workshop at the Natural History Museum
2025-06-30 11:00 - 13:00 | Natural History Museum of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, United States
Join HawkWatch International and NHMU for an exciting educator workshop. Birding is experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among young people, and for good reason! Birds are the most accessible wildlife since they live everywhere, including amongst humans. Every student can find a bird in their community (even if it’s a Pigeon or a Starling), and the longer people look, the more birds they find. Birds are a natural source of phenomena students can use to engage with science practices and cross-cutting concepts. In this workshop, we’ll go over some birding basics and then discuss how birding easily lends itself to teaching disciplinary core ideas from the SEEd Standards for any grade. All educators will leave with hands-on lesson plans for their classes and 2 hours of relicensure credit.
This workshop is open to all Utah public school teachers and educators.
For more information, click here: https://nhmu.utah.edu/educators/birding-classroom-educator-workshop

Raptors at the Magna Library
2025-07-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Magna Library, 2675 S 8950 W, Magna, 84044, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Magna Library and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Raptors at the Salt Lake City Sprague Branch
2025-07-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Salt Lake City Library Sprague Branch, 2131 1100 E, Salt Lake City, 84106, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Salt Lake City Sprague Branch and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

UNP Partners in the Park: Riverside Park
2025-07-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Riverside Park, 1490 W 600 N, Salt Lake City, 84116, United States

UNP Partners in the Park: Northwest Recreation Center
2025-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Northwest Recreation Center, 1255 Clark Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, United States

UNP Partners in the Park: Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai
2025-08-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai, 3310 S 1000 W, South Salt Lake, UT, 84119, United States

Red Butte Garden's Nature at Night
2025-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, United States
As the sun sets, a whole new world awakens in the Garden! Craft your own glowing lantern to light the way, get up close with live raptors from HawkWatch International, and uncover the fascinating plants and creatures that come alive after dark. It’s an evening of wonder, wildlife, and starlit discovery you won’t want to miss.
Cost:

Garden Members: Free

General Public: Included with Garden admission at the door

Raptors at the Draper Library
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Draper Library, 1136 Pioneer Rd, Draper, UT, 84020, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Draper Library and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

UNP Partners in the Park: Centennial Park
2025-08-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Centennial Park, 405 W 3100 S, West Valley City, 84120, United States

Rocky Mountain Power CARES about Raptors
2025-09-03 17:00 - 19:30 | Promise SSL Co-Op, 2530 South 500 East, South Salt Lake City, UT, 84115, United States
Click here to reserve your seat.
HawkWatch International has been investigating the decline of American Kestrels for over a decade. Thanks to the support of hundreds of community scientists and partners like Rocky Mountain Power, we’ve monitored hundreds of nest boxes during the breeding season, learning more about the diets, breeding success, and survival of kestrels and other cavity-nesting raptors. You’re invited to learn more about North America’s smallest falcon—and meet one for yourself—during this special, family-friendly program.
Join us to learn more about American Kestrels and how you can play a role in raptor conservation. PLUS, you’ll meet the newest member of HWI’s team of Raptor Ambassadors—a female American Kestrel who will help spread the word about this program. We’ll unveil her name, her story, and her special connection with HWI during this program that serves as her official open house.
After a short (~30-minute) free program, you’re invited to stick around for hands-on learning opportunities. Snag a selfie with our new bird, get up close and personal with real-life raptor feathers before coloring one to take home, and learn more about how Rocky Mountain Power is supporting raptor conservation across the West.
This is a free program, but space is limited. We recommend registering to reserve your spot.

Raptors at the Whitmore Library
2025-09-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Whitmore Library, 2197 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, 84121, United States
Ever wonder what makes a raptor different than other birds? Come by the Whitmore Library and find out! Meet our live raptor ambassadors and ask our educators all your burning raptor questions.
This is a family-friendly event, no tickets or registration required!
This event is made possible by Salt Lake County ZAP and the generosity of supporters like you.

Come HawkWatch with us at Commissary Ridge!
2025-09-13 08:00 - 18:00 | UT
Dates: September 13, 2025
Departure: 8:00 am
Return: 4:00 pm
Price: $200 per person
Spaces Remaining: 5 (DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 5pm Mountain 9/11/25!)
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Overview
Want to experience the magic of migration, but intimidated about visiting a site on your own? We’ve got just the trip for you!
Join Field Biologist and former Commissary Ridge HawkWatch crewmember Frankie Vierela for this one-day trip to the Commissary Ridge HawkWatch in Kemmerer, Wyoming. In addition to expert hawkwatching instruction from our team, you’ll enjoy a gourmet boxed lunch from our friends at Caputo’s as well as round-trip transportation from our headquarters in Salt Lake City.
What to Expect

After meeting your fellow participants at our headquarters in Salt Lake City, you’ll board a spacious private van for a ~2.5-hour drive to the Commissary Ridge HawkWatch, located just outside Kemmerer, Wyoming. From there, it’s a short hike up to the HawkWatch, making this site far more accessible than many ridgetop migration sites.
We’ll arrive just as the temperatures begin to rise and the day’s flight begins to pick up. You’ll have plenty of time to hawkwatch with Frankie and this year’s crew, learning more about how raptors use mountain ridges and updrafts to make their way south each fall. You also may have the opportunity to see a wild bird of prey up close if the banding blind is open that day.
We’ll head back to Salt Lake City around 4:00 pm so you’re home in time for dinner.
What’s Included

Guide costs
Daily transportation in a spacious private van from our headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah
Boxed lunch

What’s Not Included

Accommodations
Gratuities for guides
Meals other than lunch
Other personal items

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to HWI’s Field Trip and Tour Policies. Payment in full is due at the time of registration
This tour is limited to 20 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience for everyone.
The minimum number of participants is 8. In the event the minimum is not reached, we will refund your ticket or issue a receipt for your tax-deductible donation, whichever you prefer.

Birds, Brunch, and Bingo
2025-09-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Santa Fe Brewing Co Tin Can Alley, 6110 Alameda Blvd NE Suite #1, Albuquerque, NM, 87113, United States
Celebrate 40 years of migration at the Manzano Mountain HawkWatch! Join us at Santa Fe Brewing Co’s Tin Can Alley location to meet our live Raptor Ambassadors, play a round or two of birdy bingo, snag some swag, and socialize with fellow bird nerds. This is a family-friendly event, all ages are welcome. Santa Fe Brewing Co is kindly donating a percentage of drink sales during the event, so please grab a glass to join us in saying cheers to 40 years!
Bingo will run from 12:00 PM to 2 PM, and is optional. Purchase your sheets ahead of time to be ready to go when you arrive.
Bingo Packages
$15 Basic: 1 sheet/round for 10 total sheets
$30 Premium: 2 sheets/round for 20 total sheets and one free 10 oz drink voucher
Click here to purchase your tickets
