Raptor Nest Survey

[Dawn Sebesta <sebesta at parkcity dot net>]

Raptor Nest Survey Volunteers Needed

Do you like to hike and to explore?  Volunteers are needed to help monitor
hawk, eagle, and owl nests in Tooele, Utah, Summit and Rich= Counties.
Prior knowledge of raptors is not necessary; however, willingness to
maintain accurate field records is required.

Training is provided, as well as a manual, maps, and the location of
historic raptor nests.  You would be searching primarily for new nests,
but also checking for nesting activity in old nests.  You are assigned an
area and asked to check for nests in March, and May-July.  You choose the
days.

You must be able to commit to at least 6 full field days during the four
months of March, May, June and July.  You are required to complete nest
survey datasheets and you must have an email address, binoculars, and a
spotting scope.  (If you live near SLC you may borrow a scope from the BLM
or from HawkWatch.)  Many of the survey areas require rough trail driving,
although not necessarily 4-W driving, and most areas require hiking.

You will be given datasheets describing historic nests in your area as
well as location maps, and asked to regularly check those nests, as well
as to locate new nests.  Last year 79 volunteers monitored over 1000 nests
which included active great horned, long-eared and burrowing owls;
prairie falcons; American kestrels; golden eagles; and red-tailed,
Swainson's and ferruginous hawks.  If we can reach the nests we also band
the nestlings.  Last year we were able to band 79 nestlings.

The raptor nest survey data is provided to and used by BLM to make land
management decisions.  Utah DWR, the US Forest Service, and HawkWatch also
receive copies of this information.  HawkWatch, in conjunction with Utah
Power, uses the nest locations to help prioritize retrofitting of power
poles.  In addition, band returns allow us to learn about raptor
longevity, causes of mortality, dispersal, as well as migration patterns.
Through this research volunteers are making a lasting contribution to the
environment.

Training workshops will be held in early March.  If you are interested or
have any questions, contact Dawn Sebesta, volunteer, and project
coordinator, at 435-649-3024 or sebesta@parkcity.net.

_______________________________________________

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