Photograph © Beth Davidow, 2000

We focus on raptors because they are valuable indicators of environmental health.  As top-level predators, raptors are sensitive to changes in anything further down the food chain.  Thus, by monitoring raptor populations, harmful environmental changes can be identified and addressed.  Raptors are particularly sensitive to environmental contaminants and other habitat disturbances.  Harmful environmental problems such as DDT were discovered due to monitoring raptor populations. 

Raptors can be extremely hard to find throughout the year.  Most raptors occur in low densities during the breeding season and winter.  During these seasons raptors are often solitary or secretive and live in remote environments.  These birds often only become conspicuous during their migration.  Throughout this time, biologists who wish to study these magnificent birds are able to document large numbers of raptors at one location.