Goshute Mountains HawkWatch, NV

August 15 – November 5
Daily 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Weather Permitting

About the Site

Sitting at 9,000 feet in northeastern Nevada, the Goshute Mountains HawkWatch is a historically significant site, as it is one of the longest-running standardized migration monitoring efforts in the West. Annual counts typically range between 10,000-25,000 migrants of up to 18 species, making this one of the largest concentrations of migrating raptors in the western U.S. and Canada. Every fall since 1980, we return to this site to collect long-term data to monitor the population health and trends of raptors so that we can determine their conservation needs accurately.

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Long-term Raptor
Count Data

Total Hours Counting

Total Migrants Counted

Average Count/Year

FAQ’s

Why are you counting raptors?

The Goshute Mountains HawkWatch is incredibly valuable to our network as it is the longest-running of our sites and provides some of the largest counts. This means we can gather population health data of birds that travel through the Intermountain flyway more efficiently.

Because raptors sit at the top of the food chain, they are more sensitive to environmental changes. This makes them excellent biological indicators of ecosystem health. Through migration counts at our network of sites, we’re able to keep a pulse on the health of raptor populations and our shared environment. In addition to conducting our own conservation work, we share our data with state and federal agencies to help guide their conservation efforts.

What will I see at the site?

The Goshute Mountains HawkWatch regularly sees between 10,000 and 25,000 migrants of up to 18 raptor species, making this one of the largest concentrations in the western United States and Canada. The most common species include Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and Turkey Vultures.

How do I get to the site?

From Wendover, Nevada, take U.S. Highway Alt. 93 southwest, approximately 24 miles to a major dirt road at Ferguson Springs Station. Turn west onto a major dirt road and follow it 1.8 miles to the “T.” Make a right at the “T” (follow the wilderness viewing sign) and proceed for 1.3 miles to the top of the hill. Take the left fork and continue two miles to the parking area at the trailhead. Be prepared for the strenuous 2.5-mile hike with a 1,800-foot elevation gain. There is no water source, so bring plenty of water

Where should I stay when I visit the site?

The Goshute Mountains HawkWatch is located within a wilderness study area, so camping is not allowed at the site itself. Visitors may camp near the parking area, but there are no services at the site, so please consider your food, water, and bathroom needs.

For those interested in hotels, Wendover offers many options, including motels and casino resorts. Contact the West Wendover Tourism and Convention Bureau for lodging questions.

Do I need to register before I visit?

We ask that ONLY organized groups of more than six individuals register before coming. You can request a timeslot here: https://form.jotform.com/HawkWatchInternational/schedule-your-migration-visit

The Site at a Glance

The first-ever Ferruginous Hawk banded at an HWI site

Our Partners

The Goshute Mountains HawkWatch would not be possible without the support of our partners. Thank you for investing in long-term raptor research, education, and conservation.

Join our Community of Raptor Conservationists

Curious what the crew is up to? Have questions about the local weather or the recent flight? Join our community of raptor conservationists in the Friends of Goshute Mountains Facebook Group!

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