Raptors are some of the most revered birds and are often honored in different cultures, but what many birders don't realize is how raptors – hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and more – are environmental indicators and studying raptors is essential for judging the health of an ecosystem. That is just what HawkWatch International does, and the organization's work is valuable for all types of avian conservation.

Organization History

HawkWatch International (HWI) was officially founded in 1986, though the raptor-focused research that led to the organization's formation had been growing for years before being formalized as a cohesive group. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the nonprofit group is dedicated to studying the different risks to raptors and how to mitigate those threats, including power poles, natural gas facilities and invasive plants. HWI freely shares its research and its work has been instrumental in dramatically increasing ornithologists' understanding of raptors, particularly raptors in western North America.

What HWI Does Today

HawkWatch International is dedicated to increasing the understanding of raptors and fostering better conservation initiatives to preserve these majestic birds. Today, HWI is involved with a multi-pronged approach to raptor conservation that includes…

• Research: The more that is known about raptors, the more effective and precise conservation programs can be. HWI runs a number of migration study sites where different raptors are counted and banded during peak migration periods, and the data collected from those sites helps create more complete pictures of raptor lifespans, populations, ranges and migratory behavior. Other research projects involve blood analysis of raptors, studies of different pollutants and toxic contaminants in raptors' habitats, nest tracking studies and more.
   

• Education: Research is not valuable if it is not used, and HawkWatch International offers a variety of programs to promote education involving raptors. The organization has developed different programs for grades K-12 that align with science and mathematics curriculums, as well as community programs that can be tailored for different ages and interest groups. The organization is also home to several educational birds that serve as raptor ambassadors during their educational programs, introducing visitors to birds of prey in an intimate and personal way.
   
• Hawkwatches: Annual hawkwatch events are held to gauge local raptor populations, and birders and raptor lovers of all experience levels are welcome to join in. Many of the events include banding sessions and different types of data collection, and HWI volunteers and researchers are on hand to answer questions and share information to teach visitors more about the raptors they see during the event.
   
• Events: In addition to research hawkwatches, HWI is involved in different birding events and regional festivals, often highlighting raptors during fall migration or when wintering raptor populations are at their peak. At some events, the organization presents shows and showcases its avian ambassadors, while at others it provides information for attendees to study through publications or workshop presentations.
   
• Partnerships: HawkWatch International partners with a range of similar organizations as well as land owners, government agencies and conservation groups to further raise awareness about raptors and their needs. Working together benefits all organizations and provides mutual benefits for all parties involved, including the birds of prey.
   
• Publications: HWI publishes a monthly email brief, RaptorUpdate, with details about ongoing research projects and raptor-related news, as well as a more comprehensive quarterly newsletter, RaptorWatch. Furthermore, the organization's research is frequently cited in different theses, dissertations, research papers, articles and books about raptors.
   
• Online Resource: HawkWatch International maintains a detailed website filled with information about raptors, including identification tips, what to do when finding a baby bird or injured raptor, general raptor information as well as links to additional raptor and bird-related resources. The website is freely available for public viewing, making it an exceptional resource for anyone researching raptors or interested in learning more about these amazing birds.

Joining HawkWatch International

There are several ways birders can support the raptor research and conservation work of HawkWatch International. Donations of any amount are welcome, and memberships range from $50 to $1,000 and higher for different levels of support. Bequests, estate donations and recurring donations can also be arranged. Members are entitled to different discounts not only on HWI merchandise, but through several partnership organizations as well.

The Adopt-a-Hawk program is another great way raptor lovers can support HWI. Donations from $50-500 allow individuals to support raptors and have a personal connection to the organization's work. When adopting a raptor, several species are available at different donation levels, including sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, golden eagles and bald eagles. Each adoption includes membership to HWI as well as a personalized certificate of adoption, a sheet of information about the adopted species and a photo of the bird.

For more information about the organization or to join HawkWatch International, visit www.HawkWatch.org.

Photo – Red-Tailed Hawk © Aaron Dollar