Date: 2/09/11
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

EARLY RESULTS POSITIVE IN WINTER RAPTOR SURVEY

Birders and other outdoor enthusiasts will find Southern Nevada winters to be a great time for spotting raptors. This is the time when raptors, or birds of prey, that aren't usually in Southern Nevada spend time here. These birds fly in from the north and join other raptor species that are year-long residents

The wintering birds are not breeding at this time. Instead they spend most of their time looking for food. That means they are not tending to nests, so they can often be spotted on ridge tops, power lines, tall trees and other high spots in the rural areas. Biologists with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) take advantage of this fact to perform their Winter Raptor Survey, usually between December and February.

"The main purpose of the Winter Raptor Survey is to document the distribution and determine the composition (the different species) of raptors utilizing the habitats and resources in Nevada during the non-breeding winter months," said Christy Klinger, NDOW diversity biologist. "Several species that do not breed or nest in Nevada, migrate through and/or spend their winters here, thus it's important to keep tabs on these guys in order to detect potential changes in population and migration trends. Healthy, intact winter raptor habitat and resources are critical to ensuring stable raptor populations."

Generally, the Winter Raptor Survey is a collaborative effort with other agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and the Great Basin Bird Observatory. Much of the actual survey work can be completed by vehicle with the aid of binoculars and spotting scopes. Survey locations might include areas along major thoroughfares, within sight of contiguous power lines, and with access to cliffs, agriculture and water.

"Although a complete analysis of this year's data is not yet complete, preliminarily it appears that wintering raptor numbers and species are similar to recent years. Bald Eagle survey results conducted at Lake Mead National Recreation Area resulted in record high numbers of wintering adult and immature bald eagles," Klinger said.

Lincoln County is a favored area for driving surveys because it is comprised primarily of open rural areas where raptors can hunt small animals that are not in hibernation, such as voles and rabbits. In addition, Highway 93 follows power lines most of the way and is proximal to cliffs as it passes the Sheep and Delamar Mountain ranges. But any high mountain peak can serve as a migration corridor and may be an area to look for birds passing through.

Surveyors who completed a January driving survey along the Great Basin Highway in Lincoln County found red-tailed hawks and northern Harrier hawks as well as bald and golden eagles. American kestrels, Cooper's hawk, and prairie falcon were also represented in the count. Although no peregrine falcons were sighted, they are known to inhabit the area and cliffs were checked for the scrapes that they make.

Past surveys have shown the presence of ferruginous hawks, northern goshawks, sharp-shinned hawks, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. Surveyors are also likely to see other bird and wildlife species, and on this drive they found horned larks, flickers, and loggerhead shrikes.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.