As raptors migrate in the fall towards wintering grounds and in the spring towards their nesting territory, they exert a tremendous amount of energy, oftentimes covering thousands of miles within a matter of weeks. They navigate numerous borders and habitats, often facing multiple threats along the way. For scientists, migration serves as the most efficient time to keep tabs on overall population numbers, which overtime can alert us to a particular species that may be in peril.

HWI has conducted migration research for more than 30 years. View information on our migration sites below. To view totals from the migration counts and trapping/banding operations at the following locations, click here.

*It is the ultimate goal of HawkWatch International to maintain the sustainability of the organization and the integrity of our data. Therefore, in light of the recent economic downturn and other trends in conservation science funding, we have made the difficult decision to operate fewer raptor migration monitoring sites. As of the 2011 fall season, we will no longer be performing fall migration counts in the Wellsville Mountains in Utah, Lipan Point, and Yaki Point in Arizona. In Montana, our partner Montana Audubon, will manage the monitoring at the Bridger Mountain site and share the data with HWI. Some banding operations may be scaled back as well.

We would like you to know that we appreciate your ongoing support, and welcome your comments and questions.