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Manzano Mountains Raptor Migration Project | |
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Fall
2003 Technical Report Note: Due to US Forest Service plans to remodel the Capilla Peak Campground this summer and fall, the access road to the Manzano project site will be closed to public traffic during the fall 2004 season. Stay tuned, however, for possible scheduling of a one or more special public visitation weekends in September or October.
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HWI and the Cibola National Forest are working to learn more about raptors and their migration through this central New Mexico range. HWI began standardized, annual migration counts in the Manzano Mountains in 1985, followed by a banding project in 1990. Annual counts typically range between 5,000 and 7,000 migrants of up to 18 species. The project runs from 15 August through 5 November each year. The Manzano count monitors long-term trends in populations of raptors using the southern Rocky Mountain Flyway. In 2003, HWI conducted or co-sponsored 14 long-term standardized migration counts in 10 states and Vercruz, Mexico. 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 are top-level predators, 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. Moreover, due to the remoteness and widespread distribution of most raptor populations, migration counts likely represent the most cost-effective and efficient method for monitoring the regional status and trends of multiple raptor species. HWI’s banding operations provide additional valuable information about migratory routes, breeding and wintering distribution, and the variations and health of individual raptors. HWI has banded more than 12,000 raptors at this site since 1990. In 1999, HWI began tracking raptors banded in the Manzanos using satellite telemetry to learn even more about the breeding and wintering distributions and migratory habits of selected species. To view complete tracking summaries and maps click HERE. Other recent additions to the Manzano program include a collaborative effort with Dr. Mike Hooper and graduate student Toby McBride to document lead contamination in Cooper's Hawks using the flyway. In addition, in 1999, HWI affiliate John DeLong began a banding study of Flammulated Owls at the project site, and since then has banded more Flammulated Owls at a single site than anyone has ever done before. John's work has generated significant new insight about the migratory habits and morphology of this poorly known species. To view a copy of the 2003 technical report summarizing John's work (3.4 Mb PDF file--requires Adobe Acrobat Reader), click HERE. In addition to gathering important scientific data, the Manzano project provides opportunities for the public to learn about the ecology and conservation needs of raptors through on-site environmental education and interpretation conducted by full-time volunteer educators. Visitors are always welcome at the site. 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 we all rely. Support for this project in 2003 was provided by USDA Foret Service - Cibola National Forest and Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Region 2, New Mexico Game and Fish-Share with Wildlife Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Public Service Company of New Mexico, New Belgium Brewing Company, Intel Corporation, George W. Perkins, Jr., Jennifer and Randy Speers, and HWI members. |
