We recently wrapped up a very successful field trip deploying 19 new GPS transmitters for the project. This time we set our sights on the Mississippi River Valley region, hoping to fill gaps in our knowledge of abieticola breeding in the central Boreal forest region. Here, we also sought to expand our distribution of winter sampling and learn more about this fascinating region!
Starting in Tennessee, we explored parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois in search of Red-tailed Hawks with heavy bellybands and markings suggesting that they are of migrant, northern origins. We captured a fabulous variety light morph birds, and even a couple of dark morphs! Additionally, we were lucky to find and deploy transmitters on a few awesome birds displaying harlani traits, and one lovely kriderii individual.
To see all of the places we went and all of the birds (even non-hawks!) that we found, you can check out our eBird Trip Report here.
As we watch these birds embark on their northbound journeys, we’re always excitedly speculating where we think these birds might go to breed. This year, we’d like to invite everyone to join us in this exciting guessing game! Click the link here to make your guesses on where you think each of these birds might go this summer.
Stay tuned for the answers and updates on these birds later this year!
Red-tailed Hawk Project 