How do I start a hawkwatch?
Most hawkwatches start in locations and seasons (e.g. Spring and Fall) where people already know raptors aggregate during migration, such as coastlines and mountain ridges. To find a good place to observe the passage of migrant raptors on a regular basis, it may be necessary to try multiple sites over the course of one or several field seasons. The best starting point is to visit several existing hawkwatches and talk with the observers about their experiences and ideas. Most founders of new hawkwatches have learned the procedures and strategies of running a hawkwatch through their association with an established hawkwatch. A site that may have excellent coverage in one season may not serve well to cover the other field season, and most hawkwatches only operate in one season of the year. The staff, board and advisers of HMANA are willing to help with advice and information.
