What are the rules or requirements for operating a hawkwatch?
There are no formally stated or enforced rules and there is no required certification or application procedure for starting an informal hawkwatch, and most hawkwatches operate independently. If you wish your observations to be useful as scientific data, you will need to adopt a formal standard protocol for the hawkwatch. A sample protocol and data collection instructions are available from HMANA and in the above cited book. The general protocol can be customized for use at a specifc site. Generally, the value of your observations will be enhanced if observations are systematic. Repeating of your counts at the same location annually and ensuring consistency in your counting methodology is essential.
