Our raptor research activities continue between migration seasons through participation in the Hawk Migration Association Winter Raptor Survey program. We conduct our surveys using a standardized protocol along a prescribed route, with three surveys completed from December through January. Several volunteers met recently to search for raptors along an approximately 50-mile survey route through Rudyard, Dryburg and Pickford. This route takes advantage of open fields allowing us to pick out raptors along tree lines and perching on utility poles.
The team identified 29 Rough-legged Hawks, 9 Bald Eagles and one Red-tailed Hawk on the survey. We didn’t locate any Snowy Owls. We will complete two more surveys in the coming months.