Science News at Hawk Mountain
Fall 2023 Migration Wrap Up
Posted on December 22, 2023 in Science
The 2023 autumn migration season came to an end on December 15, with a total of 15,106 migrant raptors tallied and a new high record for bald eagles recorded.
Hawk Mountain leads groundbreaking global assessment on snowy owls
Posted on December 05, 2023 in Science
Hawk Mountain manuscript coalesces the work of 39 co-authors and sets new standard for assessments on virtually all raptor species going forward.
Hawk Mountain leads groundbreaking global assessment on snowy owls - Read More
Hawk Mountain Coordinates Kittatinny Hawkwatch Project
Posted on September 07, 2023 in Science
Hawk Mountain is coordinating a collaborative effort of 5 hawkwatch sites along the vital Kittatinny Ridge.
Hawk Mountain Coordinates Kittatinny Hawkwatch Project - Read More
Marzia Verduci Receives James A. Kushlan Graduate Student Award
Posted on September 01, 2023 in Science
Marzia Verduci selected as 2023 James A. Kushlan Award Recipient.
Marzia Verduci Receives James A. Kushlan Graduate Student Award - Read More
Spring 2023 Migration Hawk Watch Recap
Posted on June 01, 2023 in Science
The spring 2023 raptor count took place April 1 - May 15, with a total of 1,189 raptors and 14 species tallied.
Christmas Bird Count 2022 Results
Posted on January 26, 2023 in Science
In December, Hawk Mountain participated in the 59th year of the Hamburg Area Christmas Bird Count.
Connecting with Conservation: Hawk Mountain Presents Conservation Workshop in Argentina
Posted on January 18, 2023 in Science
Hawk Mountain's Dr. JF Therrien recently presented a multi-day Conservation Field Course in Argentina, further spreading the Sanctuary's collaborative efforts of raptor conservation.
Connecting with Conservation: Hawk Mountain Presents Conservation Workshop in Argentina - Read More
Autumn 2022 Migration Wrap Up
Posted on December 21, 2022 in Science
The Autumn 2022 Hawk Watch came to a close on December 15, with a total of 20,327 raptors counted.
Two Young Hawk Mountain Researchers Published in The Journal of Raptor Research
Posted on December 20, 2022 in Science
Hawk Mountain is proud to announce that the latest issue of The Journal of Raptor Research features papers about broad-winged hawk research from two young scientists who made their start at the Sanctuary: field research assistant Zach Bordner and long-time volunteer Paul Heveran.
Two Young Hawk Mountain Researchers Published in The Journal of Raptor Research - Read More
Trainees reunite at Pan-African Ornithological Conference
Posted on December 06, 2022 in Science
Trainee alumni recently reunited at the 2022 Pan African Ornithological Conference in Zimbabwe
Trainees reunite at Pan-African Ornithological Conference - Read More
Adrian Naveda Selected as 2022 James A. Kushlan Award Recipient
Posted on November 03, 2022 in Science
Hawk Mountain recently selected former trainee Adrian Naveda as its 2022 James A. Kushlan Award recipient in support of his project studying the migration ecology of North American turkey vultures.
Adrian Naveda Selected as 2022 James A. Kushlan Award Recipient - Read More
New, collaborative Raptor Population Index Website Features Migration Count Trends and Raptors at Risk Analyses
Posted on October 03, 2022 in Science
A new website from the collaborative Raptor Population Index Project shares scientific analyses from decades worth of North American count data to show long-term and short-term trends in migratory raptors.
Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation
Posted on September 22, 2022 in Science
This year Hawk Mountain celebrates the 20th anniversary of the opening of its Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, a three-building campus and scientific headquarters that opened in September 2002.
Audubon Scientists Use Hawk Mountain Data to Develop a New Method for Mapping Bird Migrations
Posted on September 08, 2022 in Science
Hawk Mountain's monitoring and research data has been utilized in a largescale study to better understand the annual cycle of many migratory species and the environments they inhabit.
Spring 2022 Migration HawkWatch Recap
Posted on June 01, 2022 in Science
The Spring 2022 Migration Hawkwatch took place from April 1 through May 15, with a total of 1,105 raptors and 13 species tallied.
Hawk Mountain Congratulates Trainee Alumni & Graduate Students on Raptor Research Foundation 2021 Awards
Posted on November 21, 2021 in Science
Four HMS conservation trainee alumni and current research associates received awards for their raptor research proposals at the 2021 Raptor Research Foundation Conference.
Hawk Mountain selects 2021 James A. Kushlan Graduate Student Awardee
Posted on October 06, 2021 in Science
Hawk Mountain has selected Mercedes “Mercy” Melo as its 2021 James A. Kushlan Graduate Student Awardee. Mercy is a doctoral candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a former Hawk Mountain Leadership Trainee working with Hawk Mountain scientists to research population dynamics of the American kestrel, a grassland raptor that is in decline.
Hawk Mountain selects 2021 James A. Kushlan Graduate Student Awardee - Read More
Hawk Mountain, Kutztown University Renew Academic Research Agreement
Posted on August 26, 2021 in Science
Kutztown University and Hawk Mountain have renewed a five-year agreement of academic cooperation, establishing a research affiliation for the mutual benefit of both institutions.
Hawk Mountain, Kutztown University Renew Academic Research Agreement - Read More
Butterfly Count 2021 Summary
Posted on August 23, 2021 in Science
In July, a team of HMS staff and volunteers participated in the North American Butterfly Association summer census.
New analyses highlight the conservation status of North American raptors
Posted on July 20, 2021 in Science
The latest set of analyses by the Raptor Population Index Project shows declines in some migratory hawk populations, while other species are on the rise.
New analyses highlight the conservation status of North American raptors - Read More
Unknown Disease Affecting Songbirds in Mid-Atlantic States
Posted on July 07, 2021 in Science
Since May 2021, a mysterious disease is being reported in songbirds in 10 states including Pennsylvania. The cause of the disease is unknown. At this time, it is encouraged to take down any songbird or hummingbird feeders.
Unknown Disease Affecting Songbirds in Mid-Atlantic States - Read More
New Publication: Broad-winged Hawks Overwintering in the Neotropics
Posted on July 06, 2021 in Science
Our science team has found that broad-winged hawks migrate into South America to winter in less-disturbed forest habitat found in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, but illegal mining, forest fires, and deforestation pose significant threats to these populations.
New Publication: Broad-winged Hawks Overwintering in the Neotropics - Read More
Hawk Mountain Scientists Presenting at HMANA Virtual Raptor Conference
Posted on June 15, 2021 in Science
Several members of the Hawk Mountain Conservation Science team will be presenting at the the Hawk Migration Association of North America Virtual Raptor Conference in July.
Hawk Mountain Scientists Presenting at HMANA Virtual Raptor Conference - Read More
Spring 2021 Migration Wrap-Up
Posted on June 11, 2021 in Science
Brief wrap-up of the Spring 2021 Migration Hawk Watch.
Hawk Mountain’s Dr. Laurie Goodrich Receives Celebrating Women in Conservation Award
Posted on June 11, 2021 in Science
Dr. Laurie Goodrich, Director of Conservation Science, received PennFuture’s 2021 Woman of Lifetime Achievement in Conservation Award.
Hawk Mountain’s Dr. Laurie Goodrich Receives Celebrating Women in Conservation Award - Read More
Window into the Winter Woods
Posted on March 11, 2021 in Science
Summary and highlights of the 2021 Project Feederwatch winter season.
Conserve the Corridor
Posted on February 20, 2021 in Science
Hawk Mountain has sought to extend conservation efforts beyond its roots to areas like the extensive Central and South American flyway, the most concentrated route for raptor migration in the world.
Hamburg Area Christmas Bird Count Results
Posted on February 10, 2021 in Science
In Dec, Hawk Mountain organized the 55th year of the Hamburg Area Christmas Bird Count. Here are those results.
Life of a Scavenger
Posted on January 07, 2021 in Science
PhD Student Julie Mallon used Turkey Vulture tracking data to investigate their migratory patterns and energy usage during active migration and during their stopovers.
Dr. Laurie Goodrich elected an American Ornithological Society Fellow
Posted on November 23, 2020 in Science
Director of Conservation Science Dr. Laurie J. Goodrich was elected a 2020 Fellow of the American Ornithological Society.
Dr. Laurie Goodrich elected an American Ornithological Society Fellow - Read More
Hawk Mountain research on arctic raptors and the effects of climate change published in prestigious journal
Posted on November 06, 2020 in Science
Senior Scientist JF Therrien, Ph.D. and his colleagues published a paper in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal, using their team’s long-term research that demonstrates the implications of climate change.
Rebecca McCabe Selected as 2020 James A. Kushlan Award Winner
Posted on October 01, 2020 in Science
Hawk Mountain is proud to announce it has selected Rebecca McCabe as its 2020 James A. Kushlan Award recipient.
Rebecca McCabe Selected as 2020 James A. Kushlan Award Winner - Read More
Victory for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Posted on August 12, 2020 in Science
A statement regarding the recent federal court ruling striking down a reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Butterfly Survey 2020 Summary
Posted on August 07, 2020 in Science
On July 11, Hawk Mountain Science staff participated in the annual North American Butterfly Association summer count.
Spring 2020 Migration Count Overview
Posted on June 30, 2020 in Science
A brief overview of the Spring 2020 Migration Count.
A Network of Songbird Surveys
Posted on May 04, 2020 in Science
As we approach the time of year that songbirds have returned to nest at their favorite breeding grounds, David Barber looks back on Hawk Mountain’s data from last year’s breeding bird count field research to summarize our observations of changes in songbird populations.
Climbing to Vulture Conservation in Armenia
Posted on April 05, 2020 in Science
Former Conservation Science Trainee Karen Aghababyan has been involved in kickstarting several influential programs in Armenia dedicated to conservation research and education.
Studying Kestrels Year-round
Posted on March 10, 2020 in Science
For nearly 30 years now, Hawk Mountain researchers and volunteers have been studying kestrels around Cape Coral, Florida, an important wintering ground for the American kestrel.
New Paper Published: Widespread Harrier Population Cycle Discovered
Posted on March 03, 2020 in Science
Scientists from four hawk-watch sites, including our very own Director of Conservation Science Dr. Laurie Goodrich, have recently published an article titled "Northern Harriers Have a Geographically Broad Four-Year Migration Cycle" in The Journal of Raptor Research.
New Paper Published: Widespread Harrier Population Cycle Discovered - Read More
Hawk Mountain is Speaking Up for the American Kestrel
Posted on January 29, 2020 in Science
In response to previous observations and thanks to a generous jump-start grant from a family foundation, Hawk Mountain is launching new regional research to pinpoint the cause for kestrel population declines and to ultimately save the kestrel.
Hawk Mountain is Speaking Up for the American Kestrel - Read More
Changing Chickadees
Posted on December 27, 2019 in Science
Dr. Robert Curry, a professor of biology at Villanova University, is studying black-capped, Carolina, and hybrid chickadees while completing a research semester that has included time at Hawk Mountain’s Acopian Center for Conservation Learning.
Autumn 2019 Leadership Trainee: Circumpolar Ecology with Olga Kulikova
Posted on December 24, 2019 in Science
Kolguyev Island is a Russian Island located in the south-eastern Barents Sea. It is also an arctic field station, where Olga conducted research on arctic species for five years and regularly filled out a questionnaire, creating a database of observations. Olga has also visited and worked at four other arctic field stations similar to this one, contributing similar data. This standardized questionnaire has been the inspiration for her current study, which will shed light on the highly disputed topic of predator and prey peak fluctuation in the arctic.
Autumn 2019 Leadership Trainee: Circumpolar Ecology with Olga Kulikova - Read More
An improved definition for raptors, and a new species joins the flock!
Posted on December 10, 2019 in Science
Hawk Mountain scientist Jean-Francois Therrien has collaborated with The Peregrine fund on a recently published peer reviewed paper titled “Commentary: Defining Raptors and Birds of Prey”. The paper, published in the Journal of Raptor Research, presents an updated standard definition for the term “raptor” and also determines that two South American species, the seriemas, may technically be raptors.
An improved definition for raptors, and a new species joins the flock! - Read More
Six-legged Sky Jewels
Posted on December 02, 2019 in Science
Dragonflies' migratory patterns have stumped researchers for decades, yet in the age of efficient tracking technology and citizen science, answers are on the horizon. At Hawk Mountain we contribute data on the numbers of migratory dragonflies that zip past our watch sites.
Living on the Edge
Posted on November 04, 2019 in Science
Former trainee and current PhD student Rebecca McCabe is collaborating with Dr. Laurie Goodrich and colleagues at East Stroudsburg University to study the nesting ecology of broad-winged hawks in three regions of Pennsylvania.
Age: More Than Just a Number
Posted on September 30, 2019 in Science
Collaborative Raptor Research on Bylot Island Further Proves Climate Change
Posted on September 24, 2019 in Science
Collaborative Raptor Research on Bylot Island Further Proves Climate Change - Read More
Urbanite Peregrines on the Move
Posted on June 27, 2019 in Science
Hawk Mountain is assisting the Pennsylvania Game Commission in deploying nanotags on peregrine fledglings from several nests in the state, including one appropriately located on top of the Rachel Carson building in Harrisburg.
Hawk Mountain streamlines Science Department with promotions and new hire
Posted on June 25, 2019 in Science
These personnel changes have better streamlined the department and will expand the Sanctuary’s research efforts moving forward.
Hawk Mountain streamlines Science Department with promotions and new hire - Read More
Spring Migration Wrap-Up
Posted on May 30, 2019 in Science
Each year the Spring Migration Hawk Watch officially runs from April 1 through May 15. Overall, the count was a little below the 10-year average of 983 raptors.
PPL Electric Utilities partners with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on Peregrine Tracking
Posted on March 26, 2019 in Science
Peregrine falcons are once again making their presence known around PPL's 23-story headquarters in downtown Allentown, giving rise to hope they'll once again nest near the top of the iconic building.
PPL Electric Utilities partners with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on Peregrine Tracking - Read More
Black harrier research: west to east migration?
Posted on February 25, 2019 in Science
Dr. Marie Sophie, a former leadership trainee, recently published a paper on the migratory patterns and settlement areas of the Black Harrier in Southern Africa.
Ghosts of the Grassland: Farmland Raptor Research
Posted on January 24, 2019 in Science
Dr. Laurie Goodrich co-authors a paper on the decline in farmland raptors
Ghosts of the Grassland: Farmland Raptor Research - Read More
Hawk Mountain selects Dr. Laurie Goodrich as Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science
Posted on January 16, 2019 in Science
Dr. Laurie Goodrich selected to lead Hawk Mountain's local-to-global programs in raptor conservation science.
Autumn 2018 Migration Wrap-Up
Posted on January 04, 2019 in Science
Despite the less-than-desirable weather, bald eagles, sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper's hawks, red-shouldered hawks, golden eagles, American kestrels, and merlins all had counts above their 10-year average, and bald eagles and merlins has new season count records.
Kestrel Update: In the Sanctuary’s Backyard and Beyond
Posted on December 17, 2018 in Science
Long-term research at Hawk Mountain reveals continued challenges for the tiny American kestrel in rural farms and fields.
Kestrel Update: In the Sanctuary’s Backyard and Beyond - Read More
Turkey Vulture Collaboration with Coastal Raptors
Posted on November 06, 2018 in Science
In June, Hawk Mountain partnered with Coastal Raptors, a non-profit based out of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, with the goal of deploying transmitters on four turkey vultures.
Turkey Vulture Collaboration with Coastal Raptors - Read More
Dr. Laurie Goodrich receives Conservation and Education Award
Posted on October 23, 2018 in Science
Laurie Goodrich received a prestigious new award for her dedication to raptor conservation and appreciation.
Dr. Laurie Goodrich receives Conservation and Education Award - Read More
Broadwing Project ends successful season
Posted on August 02, 2018 in Science
Hawk Mountain scientists tag first male broadwings during the 2018 research season in its long-term study of the movement ecology of broad-winged hawks
Director of Conservation Science to retire
Posted on July 03, 2018 in Science
Hawk Mountain's first Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science, Dr. Keith Bildstein, has announced he will retire later this year.
Snowy owl research featured in prestigious journal
Posted on June 14, 2018 in Science
The last chapter of a thesis by Hawk Mountain Graduate Student Audrey Robillard was featured in the May issue of the prestigious Journal of Avian Biology. Audrey worked with Hawk Mountain to study the movement ecology of the snowy owl
Snowy owl research featured in prestigious journal - Read More
Studying vultures in the Sonoran Desert
Posted on March 09, 2018 in Science
Dr. Keith Bildstein and Senior Research Biologist Dr. Jean-Francois Therrien discuss their recent trip to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona to track and tag turkey and black vultures.
Trainees study local black vulture movements
Posted on January 08, 2018 in Science
Conservation science trainee Adehl Schwaderer offered a follow up about Hawk Mountain's new "groundtruthing" field work, where she and a fellow trainee tracked and observed local vultures and their roosting sites. She discussed their successes and tribulations, attempting to trap and tag vultures after tracking them down.
Trainees Serve as "Vulture Detectives"
Posted on December 26, 2017 in Science
In a recent blog, former conservation science trainee Zoey Greenberg discusses Hawk Mountain's new "groundtruthing" field work, where she and a fellow trainee tracked and observed local vultures and their roosting sites.
Scientific Paper Reveals New Findings in Soaring Raptors
Posted on November 27, 2017 in Science
Recently published findings by Hawk Mountain Post-doc Maricel Grana Grilli of Argentina reveals that wing size, instead of wing shape, relates to migratory habits in soaring birds like the turkey vulture.
Scientific Paper Reveals New Findings in Soaring Raptors - Read More
Hawk Mountain Mentors Spanish Colleagues
Posted on November 14, 2017 in Science
Lola Cano Caballero, The Executive Director of CIMA (Centro por Internacional Migracion de Aves) in Tarifa, Spain, is spending a week at Hawk Mountain exchanging ideas and planning collaborations with Sanctuary scientists and educators.
Major advance in global raptor monitoring
Posted on October 16, 2017 in Science
On October 16, 2017, a supply ship delivered to the International Space Station a new antenna that will help reduce the cost of tracking raptors globally from more than $4000 a unit to less than $600. The international team that helped jump-start this development met to discuss this ambitious venture at Hawk Mountain in February of 2009.
New Publication by Hawk Mountain scientists shows seasonal changes in migration timing
Posted on September 27, 2017 in Science
"The study indicated that since 1985, most raptors spend two additional days per decade north of the seven hawkwatch sites. This supports the notion that global change may be having profound impacts on population and ecosystem dynamics in this avian guild."
New Publication by Hawk Mountain scientists shows seasonal changes in migration timing - Read More
New Bald Eagle record at Hawk Mountain
Posted on December 05, 2016 in Science
As of December 5, the count currently stands at 456 bald eagles, and it will continue until December 15.
Hawk Mountain trainee publishes in peer-reviewed journal
Posted on April 27, 2016 in Science
Adrián Naveda-Rodríguez, a Hawk Mountain Conservation Science Trainee during Spring 2007, has just published the bulk of his Master’s thesis in Biodiversity and Conservation.
Hawk Mountain trainee publishes in peer-reviewed journal - Read More
Research reveals a stronghold for a Critically Endangered African vulture
Posted on April 15, 2016 in Science
"Westernmost Gambia, it turns out, is a brilliant bright spot in an otherwise dark sky for hooded vultures, the smallest of Africa’s 11 species of vultures."
Research reveals a stronghold for a Critically Endangered African vulture - Read More
Video shares snapshot of Pennsylvania
Posted on February 26, 2016 in Science
Pablo Santonja Serrano, Alcoi, Spain, an autumn 2015 graduate of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary's acclaimed International Conservation Science Training Program, has shared a video that captures his three months living and learning in Pennsylvania.
Raptor count ends but hawks still passing
Posted on January 07, 2016 in Science
“That makes January and February a great time to visit, especially to watch for red-tailed hawks and bald eagles.”
"Vulture Restaurants" aid field work
Posted on December 10, 2015 in Science
I have just returned from 10 days in the field in and around Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa where temperatures soared to 108 °F, and I have much to report.
Keith Bildstein elected Fellow of AAAS
Posted on November 23, 2015 in Science
“Keith is a scientific researcher and engaging speaker who has traveled the globe to study and conserve birds of prey worldwide.”
Post-doc student news
Posted on October 16, 2015 in Science
Her recent award means that following this work,which will take her through 2017, she has a secured position as a raptor biologist in Argentina.
A rarity for raptor research
Posted on July 07, 2015 in Science
A turkey vulture trapped and tagged with a satellite telemetry unit in 2004 by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was recently re-sighted more than a decade later and with its transmitter still working.
Tagged broadwing moves about South America
Posted on February 13, 2015 in Science
“We’re not sure if this is the beginning of a return migration or if she is just wandering, but we look forward to watching her journey and hope to see her return to Pennsylvania this spring.”
2014 Migration Summary
Posted on December 18, 2014 in Science
Another year is in the books and it was an exciting season of record counts and near misses.
Goats in the Woods
Posted on July 18, 2014 in Science
This summer, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary embarked on a wooly experiment: testing the use of goats as a no-chemical alternative to invasive plant removal.
2014 Caterpillar Outbreak
Posted on June 23, 2014 in Science
Hawk Mountain this spring observed a unique outbreak of several defoliating caterpillars, including gypsy moths within the Sanctuary forest.