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Wellsville Mountains Raptor Migration Project |
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CONTENTS: Fall
2003 Technical Report
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The Wellsville Mountains of northern Utah is where HWI essentially began. HWI founder Steve Hoffman and colleague Wayne Potts discovered the Wellsville site in 1976 and conducted seasonal counts there from 1977 through 1979. Steve then turned is attention to the Goshute Mountains in Nevada and ceased counting in the Wellsvilles until 1987 when HWI re-intitiated annual counts at the site. The Wellsville study was one of the first standardized raptor migration counts initiated in the western U.S. The project now runs from 22 August through 31 October each year, with annual counts typically ranging between 2,400-5,600 migrants of up to 17 species. The Wellsville count monitors long-term trends in populations of raptors that migrate along the Wastach Range in Utah, which lies along a transition zone between the Intermountain and Rocky Mountain regional flyways. In 2003, HWI conducted or co-sponsored 14 long-term standardized migration counts in 10 states and Veracruz, 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. In addition to gathering important scientific data, the Wellsville project provides opportunities for the public to learn about the ecology and conservation needs of raptors. Visitors are always welcome at the project site. The site is located in a designated U.S. National Forest Service Wilderness Area and is protected as such. Visitors should adhere to leave-no-trace ethics and if interested contact the Logan Ranger District Conservation Education Coordinator for more information at (435) 755-3620 or visit their website. Support for this project in 2003 was provided by Wasatch-Cache National Forest, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation-Upper Colorado Region, and HWI members. |
