Hawkwatch International and Bureau of Reclamation Announce 6th Season of Raptor Migration Monitoring near Jordanelle Reservoir in Northern Utah
HawkWatch International a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is working to learn more about the migrations of hawks, eagles, and falcons throughout western North America. It is one of 16 locations in the HWI network of migration study sites. The information gathered in these studies helps us understand the ecology, status, and conservation needs of North American raptor populations.
HawkWatch International (PRWEB) February 14, 2002 -
Profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is working with the Bureau of Reclamation to learn more about the migrations of hawks, eagles, and falcons, collectively called raptors, throughout western North America. The 2002 season, February 25 through May 19, marks the 6th consecutive spring of HWIÂ’s Jordanelle Raptor Migration Project in the eastern Wasatch Mountains overlooking Jordanelle Reservoir. This ongoing effort monitors long-term trends in populations of raptors using this Rocky Mountain migratory flyway. It is one of 16 locations in the HWI network of migration study sites. The information gathered in these studies enables us to better understand the life histories, ecology, status, and conservation needs of raptor populations in North America. Because raptors occupy large home ranges, inhabit most ecosystems, and are sensitive to environmental contamination and other human disturbances, they serve as important biological indicators of ecosystem health. By monitoring their populations, harmful environmental changes can be identified and addressed early. Ultimately, by protecting raptors, we protect ourselves.
Almost any day this spring, visitors to the Jordanelle site should see a number of birds of prey as they travel north from their wintering areas. Considering previous years' numbers, observers in 2002 expect to count between 2,800-5,000 migrants of up to 17 species during the season, including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, CooperÂ’s Hawks, and Ospreys.
The Jordanelle Raptor Migration Project will also include a small-scale, exploratory trapping and banding component in 2002. HWIÂ’s banding operations provide additional valuable information about migratory routes, breeding and wintering distribution, causes of mortality, and the variation and health of individual raptors.
In addition to gathering important scientific data, the Jordanelle project provides opportunities for the public to learn about the ecology and conservation needs of raptors through visitation and on-site environmental education and interpretation. This educational effort is the key to long-term success in securing public understanding and action on behalf of raptors and the ecosystems upon which they (and we) rely. Visitation is welcome and encouraged. For more information and a map to the Jordanelle project site call HawkWatch International at (801) 484-6808 or (800) 726-4295, or visit www. hawkwatch. org.
Funding for this project is provided by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation-Upper Colorado Region; Walbridge Fund; and Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation.
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