While you’re exploring in Glacier National Park this fall, look up to the sky for a moment. You might see one or more of the many birds of prey migrating south for the winter. This migration route is one of the most important for golden eagles in North America, and it just so happens to pass right through Glacier along the Continental Divide.

In order to detect changes in raptor numbers and help in their conservation, Glacier National Park established its Hawk Watch Program in 2017. The program is made possible by support from generous donors like you, the Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates, and volunteers from the park’s citizen science program.

YOUR SUPPORT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Glacier’s Hawk Watch Program combines the efforts of volunteers and park biologists to count raptors during their annual migration south. Monitoring sites are located near Mount Brown Lookout and Lake McDonald Lodge. Your support ensures observers at monitoring sites have the supplies they need to stay safe and warm on survey days. Funding also ensures park biologists are able to coordinate logistics, train new volunteers, and assure quality control.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

This Saturday, October 5th, Glacier will kick off its second annual Hawk Watch Program with a volunteer training event from noon to 4pm. Park biologists will be on hand to teach volunteers how to identify and count migrating raptors. The meeting point will be across from Lake McDonald Lodge at the golden eagle interpretive sign near Jammer Joe’s parking lot. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Participants should bring their own binoculars. Attendees may come and go as they please and do not need to stay for the whole time.

For more information on the raptor migration study and October training, email the Glacier National Park Citizen Science program at [email protected] or call 406-888-7986.

Learn more about how your support makes a difference and preserves and protects Glacier for future generations.