Starting a Hawkwatch Site
Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, NH
Image by Phil Brown
How to Get Started
There are many factors to consider when choosing a site and deciding on your goals for the site. The Hawk Migration Association (HMA) has resources available including a standardized protocol, official data sheets and raptor ID materials. Check out HMA’s How to start a Hawkwatch to help get you started. https://www.hawkmigration.org/raptor-resources/
Once you have your location chosen, you can set up a Hawkcount account by visiting www.hawkcount.org and clicking on “Register Account.” Once you are registered, you can click on “New Site Request.”
You may also want to check out HMA’s New to Hawkwatching page: https://www.hawkmigration.org/new-to-hawkwatching/.
Grants for New Sites
HMANA offers annual grants for raptor research and new hawk watch efforts in areas of the continent that have limited raptor monitoring coverage. Read more about HMA’s Research Award grant here.
https://www.hawkmigration.org/hmana-research-award/
Please feel free to reach out to HMA’s raptor migration and programs director, Julie Brown (brown@hawkmigration.org) to help you through the process.
