Looking for something different to do this winter? Do you like raptors or want to learn more about them? If so, volunteer opportunities are currently available to help conduct wintering raptor surveys. The surveys will be conducted by volunteers and Sarah Norton, a graduate student at SOU. These surveys will help collect data for Sarah’s thesis on wintering Buteo species distribution and abundance in relation to human population density. Previous experience is not required.

Survey routes will be driven by Sarah and a volunteer on weekends and Tuesdays from January through February. Surveys will take place in Jackson, Klamath, Siskiyou, and Modoc counties. The length of surveys will vary due to site size, weather, and travel time. Volunteers will need to be available for the entire day they sign up for. Data will be collected for three Buteo species: Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk. Other raptors such as American Kestrels, Prairie Falcons, and Bald Eagles will also be seen frequently during surveys. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Sarah Norton.