Winter Raptor Survey
Jan 14 to Feb 8 (same dates every year)
The WRS monitors winter raptor populations by conducting roadside surveys in mid-winter.
Participants create their own route in their area and drive it once and count all of the raptors seen.
WRS Guidelines
1. This being a road survey, THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IS SAFETY. Use a designated driver if possible.
2. Design your own route. But first check with coordinator to avoid overlap of routes (some are not yet mapped).
A minimum of 10-20 miles and maximum of 100 miles. Minimize miles on busy roads (not easy in some counties). Avoid non-maintained roads that are un-passable some years.
3. Dates: You choose the day: Jan. 14 – Feb. 12 inclusive. Usually I will extend by a few days – but please try to do within the stated dates so as to keep this a “mid-winter” survey.
DO YOUR ROUTE JUST ONE TIME. Do not repeat for the sake of “ improving” the numbers –THIS IS CRITICAL!.
4. Time of day: Mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
5. WAIT FOR GOOD WEATHER: Avoid fog, high windy, heavy rain, snow.
6. Record hours of survey time and miles driven.
7. Note the average approximate:
time on route (excluding break time) and miles
snow depth
temperature
% cloud cover
wind as calm, light, or strong
8. Record the following as possible:
Harriers: Ad. male or female; or immature
Red-tails: Adult or immature
Rough-leg: light or dark form
Kestrel : male or female
All other raptors (age BE, RS, GE)
Vultures (TV or BV)
Don’t linger over birds you can’t easily age or sex – just record species.
9. Any shrikes?
10. You may stop at good (and safe) vantage points to get out and scan/scope more thoroughly. But do not go on hikes looking for birds.
11. IMPORTANT !!! Coordinate with others in your county to avoid route duplication.
12. For consistency sake, I will not accept routes that are primarily on interstate highways or done after Feb 22.
For more information, contact Greg Grove
