Raptor Banding Reports

Jon releases RT Hawk photo by Erik MurryRaptor banding stations have been operated at several locations along the Mississippi River bluffs of Iowa and Wisconsin and in northeastern Iowa in cooperation with Luther College in Decorah, IA and with the Raptor Resource Project. These banding efforts have given students and volunteers invaluable hands-on experience with raptors and in some cases has altered career paths! Capture and banding of hawks and other raptors takes place during the fall migration season, September to December. The stations are operated by trained, licensed raptor banders and volunteer staff and students. Stations frequently host educational opportunities for students, landowners and the public. All banding and biometric data collected is submitted to the Federal USGS Bird Banding Lab and contributes to our knowlege of raptors, their migration pathways and timing, longevity, health and population trends.