Broad-winged Hawk Project People afield.   

Nest observations have been in full swing for a few weeks so we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the scenes.  We have been so busy pointing our binoculars and cameras at the birds we still do not have great photos of our observers!  The two folks most responsible for collecting nest observations are Rebecca McCabe, Hawk Mountain trainee and East Stroudsburg University graduate student (see on right), and our Project field assistant, Zach Bordner (below). Myself, Laurie Goodrich, and Hawk Mountain trainee, Chien-Hung Yang are also observing once a week. 

Zach observing nest - June 2014

We are conducting observations at four nest sites and hope to locate a fifth nest soon. When observing the nests, we sit fairly far away from the nest to avoid disturbing the incubating birds.  We use camouflage netting to hide ourselves, and write down prey deliveries and other behaviors.  

Todd and Rebecca review climbing equipment.

Rebecca has been busy working with Todd Bauman, Hawk Mountain Land and Facilities Manager, to practice tree-climbing.  They will work together to access nests when it comes time to tag the young hawks.  

We are grateful to Todd and other Facilities staff, Allen Kohn, Ryan Beltz, as well as Educator, Adam Carter, for assisting with behind the scenes work. Other key players include Chien-Hung and other Conservation Science Trainees, Javier and Melina, who have helped search for nest sites along with volunteers Lisa Schnell and Scott Morrison.  David Barber, Hawk Mountain GIS specialist, has produced field maps for our nest searching whenever we needed them.  Thank you everyone!

David Barber with newly banded Striated Caracara.