Now it is possible to adopt one of these magnificent birds as a gift or for yourself. Each adopted bird has been captured and banded at one of our sites, then quickly released to continue its migration journey. Banded birds recovered later allow researchers to learn more about raptor migration, population health and conservation needs. This information can help determine overall environmental vitality which affects humans as well as raptors. Tagged birds are found from Alaska and Northern Canada all the way to Central America.
Raptors feed at the top of the food chain and are therefore important environmental indicators.
Founded in 1986, the mission of HawkWatch International is to monitor and promote the conservation and preservation of hawks, eagles and other birds of prey. HawkWatch works towards this goal through seasonal raptor migration research, innovative live-hawk environmental education programs, and conservation policy initiatives.