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Show SEPTEMBER Now 1996 Is the Time to See Migrating Raptors on the Wing By Stephen vation W. Hoffman points in seven western states. Each site harbors thousands of migratigh above the sagebrush desert an He. soars on wings of freedom. Strong winds along the crest of Utah’s high, north-south ridges will carry this majestic bird to its wintering grounds. Each autumn thousands of hawks, eagles falcons, and other birds of prey migrate south through Utah. It is a magical time, in a magical place, and it is taking place right now Have you ever been captivated by a magnificent hawk or eagle soaring effortlessly overhead? There are special places in northern Utah and eastern Nevada where you can see 100 ing birds of prey. Over time, these counts provide critically-needed data on the status and long-term trends of 15 species of hawks, eagles, falcons, harriers, ospreys, and vultures. The most impressive raptor flyway in all of western North America administered by the federal Bureau of or more birds of prey in a day, some gliding close by at eye level. Like many other migratory bird species, some birds of prey, often called raptors, migrate with the change of season. Cold, harsh winter weather and prey scarcity in northern climes drives the birds south to warmer, preyrich habitats When raptors migrate they do not like to cross the vast, barren areas, like Utah’s salt flats or large bodies of water, such as the Great Salt Lake. Great numbers of birds steer west of these obstacles to the Goshute Mountains, a 60-mile-long, ridgeline is in the Goshute Mountains, near Wendover. HawkWatch’s Goshute Raptor Migration Research Station is located 25 miles southwest of Wendover in a Wilderness study area A Redtailed hawk is released after banding. running south along the Utah-Nevada border near Wendover. Others orient to the east and migrate over the Wellsville Mountains, just above Brigham City. The most adventurous birds, however, do fly over the Great Salt Lake, island hopping from the Promontory Peninsula to Fremont Island, then on to Antelope Island before they reach the south shore at the Oquirrh Mountains. When migrating, most raptors prefer to fly along the crest of north-south mountain ridges. Raptors use the strong updrafts along these “Hawk Highways” to gain lift, thereby conserving energy on their long trek south. They can travel up to several thousands miles each way. Each year, expert hawkwatchers recruited by HawkWatch International conduct scientific counts of migrating hawks at ten different strategic obser- Land Management. Each year from mid-August to early November, up to 22,000 raptors fly over the south end of the Goshutes en route to the American Southwest, Mexico and Latin America. During the peak of the migration season, mid-September, one can see up to one thousand hawks, eagles and other birds of prey passing over in a single day. For the past 16 years, HawkWatch volunteers and staff have been there, too, counting and banding migrating raptors to learn more about their population numbers, origins, destinations and conservation needs. Over 15,000 logged every year by hours are Continued on page 13 You Deserve This Kind Uf Ra Mande 4 Ovigaaea Shanks to our new racks, your bike can now sit nicely on the front of any UTA bus. (Eat your heart out Mercedes.) Certification is no longer required, however a safety video is available for viewing at the Transit Information Center (596-0337). information on routes and schedules. Call BUS-INFO for FEET, HAIR, SCLES, SKIN OPPOSITE PAYLESS "PARK CITY. * 649-6363 WE'VE GROWN eo selection: Wem Grate aoa canoe STOP BY OUR ORGANIC | Rae 9 - 7 MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 - 7 SATURDAY, 12 - 6 SUNDAY PARK CITY'S ONLY ORGANIC GROCERY STORE er 1270 IRONHORSE DRIVE + 649-4561 : Beat eT ae PAGE JUICE BAR. CHECK OUT OUR GREAT PRICES ON SOY AND RICE MILKS. |
