Species Accounts ECOLOGY of RED-TAILED HAWK in CALIFORNIA by Carie Battistone July 5, 2012

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Species Accounts ECOLOGY of RED-TAILED HAWK in CALIFORNIA by Carie Battistone July 5, 2012 Appendix F – Species Accounts ECOLOGY OF RED-TAILED HAWK IN CALIFORNIA By Carie Battistone July 5, 2012 The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a robust, broad-winged hawk that resembles most other hawk species in shape and form. There are 12 subspecies of red-tailed hawks. As is typical for most raptors, red-tailed hawks exhibit distinctive color variations, making differentiation of subspecies difficult. Of the two most extreme are the Harlan's hawk (B. j. harlani) and the Krider’s hawk. The Krider’s does not have its own distinct range and therefore has not been given it own subspecies designation. This hawk is a white variation differentiated by a mostly white tail, white face, pale underwings (Preston and Beane 2009). The Harlan’s hawk was formerly considered a separate species, but is now considered a dark variation of the red-tailed hawk, with black above and below, some white speckling intermixed throughout, and white-gray tail feather mottled or streaked with black and tinged rufous or light brown (Collins and Bloom 2000, Preston and Beane 2009). Other subspecies share key distinguishing features to some extent, such as the rusty tail feathers of the adults, a dark bar on the underwing between the shoulder and wrist (patagial bar), and a banding pattern across the abdomen (belly band) (Palmer 1988, Preston and Beane 2009). Light variations of red-tailed hawk adults exhibit lighter coloration and a dark head, red tail and patagial bar, with little to no markings on the chin, breast, throat, and thighs, with the exception of dark streaks on the belly and flanks (Bent 1937, Palmer 1988). Light morphs from western North America exhibit more ventral rufous streaking than red-tailed hawks in other parts of North America (Clark and Wheeler 2001, Preston and Beane 2009). Dark morph red-tailed hawks are common in Canada and the western United States, and are typically chocolate brown throughout, with some dark morphs having a heavy rufous pattern (Preston and Beane 2009). The patagial bars are obscured by the dark pigmentation; however the rufous tail feathers can still be seen in adults. Juvenile red-tailed hawks have a heavily barred tail that lacks the distinctive rusty tone of the adult, with undertail feathers more faintly barred (Bent 1946, Clark and Wheeler 2001). The most distinguishing feature for juveniles is the two-toned upper wings, with primary flight feathers showing a lighter brown then secondary flight feather (Clark and Wheeler 2001). Juvenile plumage is retained until they reach the breeding age of 2 years. Male and female red-tailed hawks are similar in appearance but express sexual dimorphism, meaning females are generally larger then males. Adult males have a body length of 45 to 56 cm (17.7-22 in), and weigh between 690 to 1300 g (1.5-2.9 lbs); whereas females range from 50 to 65 cm (19.7-25.6 in) in length, and weigh 900 to 1,460 g (2.0-3.3 lbs) (Palmer 1988, Farmer et al. 2009, Preston and Beane 2009). The oldest known wild red-tailed hawk is 30 years and 8 months (Lutmerding 2011); however, most do not attain such an age in the wild. The Bird Banding Lab (BBL) records through 1994 showed out of 5,194 red-tailed hawks recovered, only 31 survived longer then 17 years in the wild, and of these, 11 survived longer than 20 years (Soucy 1995). Red-tailed Hawk Species Account Page 1 of 17 The red-tailed hawk is widely used in falconry due to their even temperament and their ability to hunt and obtain sizable game (Palmer 1988). Falconry take data shows 223 red-tailed hawks were obtained from the wild from 2006 to 2010, 41% of all raptors obtained from the wild during this time frame (CDFG 2012). Of the 223, 5 were adults, 185 were immature, 9 were nestlings, and sex was undetermined for 24. Habitat Red-tailed hawks occupy a variety of habitats. Generally, they prefer open habitat, such as sparse woodlands, grasslands, agricultural regions, and urban areas (Grinnell and Miller 1944, Howell et al. 1978, Palmer 1988, Preston and Beane 2009). They are often found in areas with nearly equal proportions of woodland, pasture and cropland habitat (Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982). Densely vegetated habitat or areas devoid of trees or perches are generally avoided (Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982, Farmer et al. 2009). The highest densities of red-tailed hawks were reported in the oak woodlands of California and Colorado (Fitch et al. 1946). Red-tailed hawks often frequent urban and suburban areas, which likely provide sufficient prey and nest sites, as indicated by higher productivity sometimes found from hawks inhabiting here (Stout et al. 2006). Nests are commonly located in patchy woodlands and riparian corridors adjacent to foraging sites, especially those near agricultural fields (Bent 1937, Fitch et al. 1946, Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982, Palmer 1988, Moorman and Chapman 1996, Tietje et al. 1997). Often, nests are found in the upper quarter of trees with moderate canopy cover and are placed at the crotch of main branches and limbs (Fitch et al. 1946, Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982). A variety of tall trees are used for nesting, including oak, sycamore and eucalyptus (Tyler 1913, Fitch et al. 1946, Palmer 1988, Speiser and Bosakowski 1988). Mader (1978) found red-tailed hawks nesting on a saguaro cactus in Arizona’s Sonoran desert. Red-tailed hawks also nest on cliffs (Bond 1939). Artificial nesting sites, such as transmission towers, billboards and ledges of buildings, are utilized regularly (Stout et al. 1996, Stout et al. 2006). Accessibility to edge habitat may play a role in nest site selection (Bednarz and Dinsmore 1982, Speiser and Bosakowski 1988, Moorman and Chapman 1996, Preston and Beane 2009). During the winter months, red-tailed hawks can be found in much of the same habitat as during the breeding season. Foraging habitats include grasslands, parks, vacant lots, and agricultural areas (Fitch et al. 1946, Palmer 1988, Preston 1990, Leyhe and Ritchison 2004, Preston and Beane 2009). Distribution across a landscape is a function of prey and perch site availability (Preston 1990). Alterations to the landscape (e.g. forest clearing, fire suppression and agricultural development) likely have benefited the species distribution due to the increased availability of open land with abundant prey (LaSorte et al. 2004, Farmer et al. 2009). Migration Red-tailed hawks are considered partially migratory, although typically in California, the species is a year-round resident and remains in or near the breeding territory (Fitch et al. 1946, Gates 1972, Farmer et al. 2009, Preston and Beane 2009). Hawks in the northernmost range (portions of Alaska and Canada) will migrate south, while hawks in the mid-latitudes (45°–50°N) are typically resident year-round (Preston and Beane 2009). Those that do migrate usually only do so at distances of less than 1,500 km, and will rarely cross bodies of water more than 25 km across (Preston and Beane 2009). Red-tailed Hawk Species Account Page 2 of 17 Satellite tracking and band return data shows that young hawks from southern California and northern Baja will migrate longer distances into Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming (Farmer et al. 2009). Red-tailed hawks practice “leap-frog migration”; that is, some northern birds winter farther south then southern birds (Farmer et al. 2009). Abundant prey may alter or delay migratory patterns (Craighead and Craighead 1956). For instance, red-tailed hawks have been known to “short-stop” (overwinter farther north then in previous years) during migration, a behavior adaptation likely due to long-term trends for milder climatic conditions and increased prey availability at bird feeders (Goodrich and Smith 2008). Timing of migration is determined by weather patterns and prey availability (Farmer et al. 2009, Preston and Beane 2009). For northern breeders, spring migration initiates in February to March, with migrating individuals arriving at the breeding sites as late as June (Preston and Beane 2009). For mid-latitude breeders migration is typically shorter, with small north-south movements, altitudinal movements, or little to no migration. The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) in the Marin Headlands, California, is one of the “hotspots” for migrating diurnal raptors in California since it is along one of the major migratory bird pathways along the Pacific Coast. Red-tailed hawks are one of the most observed raptors at GGRO. Sixty-six percent of all sightings in 2009 were red- tailed hawks (n=8297) and turkey vultures (n=8060) (Elliot and Fish 2010). Hawk sightings during the Fall/Winter migration season are illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1. Red-tailed hawk migration profile at GGRO, 1986-2009 (Elliot and Fish 2010) Food Habits Red-tailed hawks consume a diverse array of prey, including mammals, snakes, small to medium sized birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects; however, small mammals, reptiles and birds are most common (Gates 1972, Palmer 1988, Steenhof and Kochert 1988, Marti and Kochert 1995, Farmer et al. 2009, Preston and Beane 2009). Diets vary seasonally depending on prey availability and abundance (Peterson 1979, Steenhof and Kochert 1988). In California, Fitch et al. (1946) documented a spring and summer diet consisting of (in order of frequency) ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and rabbits, whereas fall and winter diets consisted of (in order of frequency) pocket gophers, ground squirrels, and rabbits (Fitch et al. 1946). Red-tailed hawks prey on ducks in the Prairie Pothole Region, and scavenge when carrion is available, especially in winter months Red-tailed Hawk Species Account Page 3 of 17 when live resources are less available (Palmer 1988, Sargeant et al.
Recommended publications
  • Disaggregation of Bird Families Listed on Cms Appendix Ii
    Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2nd Meeting of the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council (ScC-SC2) Bonn, Germany, 10 – 14 July 2017 UNEP/CMS/ScC-SC2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II (Prepared by the Appointed Councillors for Birds) Summary: The first meeting of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council identified the adoption of a new standard reference for avian taxonomy as an opportunity to disaggregate the higher-level taxa listed on Appendix II and to identify those that are considered to be migratory species and that have an unfavourable conservation status. The current paper presents an initial analysis of the higher-level disaggregation using the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World Volumes 1 and 2 taxonomy, and identifies the challenges in completing the analysis to identify all of the migratory species and the corresponding Range States. The document has been prepared by the COP Appointed Scientific Councilors for Birds. This is a supplementary paper to COP document UNEP/CMS/COP12/Doc.25.3 on Taxonomy and Nomenclature UNEP/CMS/ScC-Sc2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II 1. Through Resolution 11.19, the Conference of Parties adopted as the standard reference for bird taxonomy and nomenclature for Non-Passerine species the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World, Volume 1: Non-Passerines, by Josep del Hoyo and Nigel J. Collar (2014); 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Iowan (Iowa City, Iowa), 1970-04-03
    NEWS CLIPS . lJnion .Chiefs, Arab,:'sraeli Battle ' TEL AVIV IA'I - I s rae I and Syria • fought a day-long air, tank and artillery Nixon Agree batlIe Thursday along their l00-mile frontler. Israel claimed downing three Syrian warplanes while losing one. The Syrians claimed their fighters and antiaircraft guns knocked down seven Israeli planes and that the pilots of the To Postal Pact U.S. -made Phantom and a French-made Mirage had been captured after their WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's 750,000 postal workers - and all civil planes crashed. workers of the government - were promised a 6 per cent pay increase Thurs­ Syria acknowledged the loss of two day and, for the first time, tbe right to collective bargaining. planes. The Syrians also claimed they had The historic agreement, which requires congressional concurrence, was reach­ destroyed 25 Israeli tanks and killed or ed between government and postal union negotiators after seven days of bar­ wounded 120 Israeli soldiers. They ack­ gaining. Blount said "it applies to all civil work­ i, nowledged the loss of two tanks, 18 The pact stemmed ditectly Irom. the ers of the government." I soldiers and killed and 35 wounded. first major postal strike, which disrupt­ ed the mails last month. Blount, Secretary of Labor George P. , * * * It promises postal workers an addi­ Shultz and Geqrge Meany, president of Weathermen Chargecl tional 8 per cent pay raise as soon as the AFL-CIO, spoke to newsmen after the Post Office Department is reorgan- the final details were hammered out in CHICAGO IA'I - Twelve members of a 2% hour session.
    [Show full text]
  • MADAGASCAR: the Wonders of the “8Th Continent” a Tropical Birding Set Departure
    MADAGASCAR: The Wonders of the “8th Continent” A Tropical Birding Set Departure November 3—28, 2013 Guide: Ken Behrens All photos taken during this trip. All photos by Ken Behrens unless noted otherwise. TOUR SUMMARY Madagascar has long been a core destination for Tropical Birding, and with last year’s opening of a satellite office in the country, we have further solidified our expertise in the “Eighth Continent.” This was another highly successful set-departure tour to this special island. It included both the Northwestern Endemics Pre-Trip at the start and the Helmet Vanga extension to the Masoala Peninsula at the end. Although Madagascar poses some logistical challenges, especially in the form of the national airline Air Madagascar, we had no problems on this tour, not even a single delayed flight! The birding was great, with 196 species recorded, including almost all of the island’s endemic birds. As usual, the highlight was seeing all five of the incredible ground-rollers, from the roadrunner-like Long-tailed of the spiny forest to the wonderful rainforest-dwelling Scaly. There was a strong cast of vangas, including Helmet, Bernier’s, and Sickle-billed. In fact, we saw every member of the family save the mysterious Red-tailed Newtonia which is only regularly seen in the far south. As normal, the couas were also a favorite. From the shy and beautiful Red-breasted of Madagascar Set Departure Tour Nov. 3-28, 2013 the eastern rainforest to the huge Giant Coua of the dry western forest, we were looking for and at couas virtually every day! The bizarre mesites form a Malagasy endemic family, and we had superb extended views of all three members of the family.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels
    Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-47062-9 — The Kestrel David Costantini , Giacomo Dell'Omo Excerpt More Information 1 Systematics and Evolution of Kestrels 1.1 Chapter Summary The family Falconidae constitutes a group of small to medium-sized diurnal raptors whose monophyly is strongly supported. Kestrels are included in the subfamily Falconinae. There are at least 13 species that belong to the kestrel group, but recent genetic studies suggest that the number of kestrel species might be larger, possibly 16. The paleontological and molecular evidence is congruent in suggesting an evolutionary radiation of kestrels from the Late Miocene (4.0–9.8 million years ago) through the Early Pleistocene. However, the geographic area where kestrels originated and dispersed from is unclear. 1.2 Diversification of Falcons The Falconidae is a monophyletic family of diurnal birds of prey that occupy a wide variety of ecological niches and geographic regions (White et al., 1994). Three subfamilies are currently recognised and their validity is supported by both molecular and morphological data (Griffiths, 1999; Griffiths et al., 2004; Fuchs et al., 2012, 2015): (i) Falconinae (falcons, falconets and kestrels), (ii) Herpetotherinae (forest falcons Micrastur sp. and laughing falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans) and (iii) Polyborinae (caracaras) (Figure 1.1). Dickinson (2003) has recognised 11 genera and 64 species of Falconidae, but figures can vary slightly across authors. Both the Herpetotherinae and the Polyborinae occur only in the New World, while the Falconinae (the subfamily to which kestrels belong) are widespread across both the New and Old World with 46 species, 40 of which belong to the genus Falco (Fuchs et al., 2015).
    [Show full text]
  • Market, Financial Analysis, and Economic Impact for Idaho Falls, Idaho Multipurpose Events Center
    Final Report Market, Financial Analysis, and Economic Impact for Idaho Falls, Idaho Multipurpose Events Center Idaho Falls, Idaho Prepared for City of Idaho Falls Submitted by Economics Research Associates Spring 2008 Reprinted January 4, 2010 ERA Project No. 17704 10990 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90024 310.477.9585 FAX 310.478.1950 www.econres.com Los Angeles San Francisco San Diego Chicago Washington DC New York London Completed Spring 2008 - Reprinted Jan 4, 2010 Table of Contents Section 1. Executive Summary.............................................. 1 Section 2. Introduction and Scope of Services .................... 7 Section 3. Idaho Falls, Idaho Overview ................................ 11 Section 4. Potential Anchor Tenants / Sports Leagues / Other Events ......................................................... 22 Section 5. Comparable Events Centers ................................ 43 Section 6. Events Center – Potential Sizing and Attendance .................................................... 54 Section 7. Financial Analysis – Base Case, High and Low Scenarios ....................................................... 56 Section 8. Economic Impact Analysis ................................... 83 Appendix. Site Analysis Proposed Idaho Falls Multipurpose Events Center ERA Project No. 17704 Page i Completed Spring 2008 - Reprinted Jan 4, 2010 General Limiting Conditions Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the data contained in this study reflect the most accurate and timely information possible, and they are believed to be reliable. This study is based on estimates, assumptions and other information reviewed and evaluated by Economics Research Associates from its consultations with the client and the client's representatives and within its general knowledge of the industry. No responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies in reporting by the client, the client's agent and representatives or any other data source used in preparing or presenting this study.
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 Annual Report
    UNITED STATES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2013 Annual Report usafl.com UNITED STATES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE // 2013 Annual Report // A 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit Organization ≈ TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Address 3 USAFL Structure 4 2013 National Championships 7 USAFL Awards 8 2013 49th Parallel Cup 12 AFL Combine 18 Umpires Report 20 Communications Report 22 Financial Management 23 2014 USAFL Contact List 27 Cover Photo: USAFL Club Captains at 2013 USAFL National Tournament Photographer: Amy Bishop - 2 - UNITED STATES AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE // 2013 Annual Report // A 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit Organization ≈ 2013 President’s Address uring 2013, the USAFL Executive Board focused • Creation of a board handbook detailing all Don instituting best practices for non-profits and league policies, procedures, and roles creating systems to uphold league rules and reg- • Transition and organization of league docu- ulations/policies. While the league hovers around ments to Google Drive for enterprise man- 1,000 annual members, the USAFL is advancing as agement. an organization. As a better organization we can be While not officially, participation numbers have con- poised for more league growth. We must have one tinued to grow at a local level with metro and co-ed before the other. leagues across the country. Golden Gate, Portland, Baltimore-Washington, and Chicago are examples The past 24 months board activities focused on the of strong metro communities and recently, co-ed non-profit aspect of the league ensuring the organi- leagues have formed in Sacramento, Denver, and zation is well prepared to answer the IRS if an audit Columbus.
    [Show full text]
  • Birds Calling but Couldn’T Lure Any Closer During the Heat of the Mid Afternoon
    Madagascar - Tom and Linda Arny 7th to 18th November 2007 Trip Report compiled by James Currie Tour Summary The tour started on the 7th November after meeting Tom and Linda at Johannesburg International Airport. We arrived in Tana in the late afternoon and commenced the journey to Perinet, ticking our first selection of egrets and herons in the Tana wetlands. It was dark by the time we arrived at Perinet and we embarked on a short evening walk, hearing both Long-eared Owl and Rainforest Scops Owl. The next morning saw us visiting Perinet Special Reserve where we were treated to superb views of Indri. We spent 3 nights in the Perinet/Mantadia area and visited Mantadia on two consecutive mornings, with the balance of the time being spent at Perinet. Highlights from Mantadia included crippling views of Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, nesting Velvet Asity and Pitta-like and Scaly Ground-Rollers with particularly good looks at the latter species, several good views of Nuthatch Vanga climbing up and down tree trunks, a pair of Madagascar Little Grebes, stunning looks at Greater Vasa Parrot, Madagascar Blue Pigeon, a greenbul flock that included Grey-crowned, Longbilled and Spectacled Greenbuls with a brief sighting of an unconfirmed Madagascar Yellowbrow, a troop of confiding Diademed Sifakas with Rufous-headed Ground-Roller calling in the background. Highlights from RBT Madagascar Trip Report 2007 2 Perinet included superb close-up views of both Red-breasted Coua and Madagascar Wood Rail, roosting Collared Nightjar, Madagascar Long-eared Owl, skulking Madagascar Flufftail, Red-fronted Coua, nesting Chabert’s and White-headed Vangas and a roosting Rainforest Scops Owl.
    [Show full text]
  • AAU Ice Hockey Newsletter
    AAU Ice Hockey Sports for all, Forever Jan 1, 2016 Volume 3, Issue 3 Concussion - why does our spor t tolerate inferior helmets? An editorial by: Keith Kloock Once upon a time in America, when kids would get bumps and bruises during a youth sport then almost invariably an adult would be there Editor to say “rub some dirt on it and get back in the game”. Similarly, if a kid got Keith Kloock his bell rung (as we all used to call it) then a coach may ask “are you 21220 Wellington St. OK ?” and almost every kid would always respond “I’m fine, just put me in Woodhaven, MI 48183 (734) 692-5158 coach”. Clearly this was an age of both innocence and ignorance. Published quarterly for the It is widely expected that CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) benefit and interest of AAU Ice Hockey participants. and the topic of concussions within youth sports will become more widely discussed during 2016. Sparked in AAU Leagues, Administrators, part by the Christmas Day (of 2015) as well as Team Coaches and/ or Managers are encouraged release of the film Concussion. to submit articles and notices to: The movie stars Will Smith as it [email protected] attempts to chronicle the work of doctor Bennet Omalu. IMDB.com describes it as “a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known.
    [Show full text]
  • Jadaptations of the Rare Endemic Grey Falcon
    Adaptations of the rare endemic Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos that enable its permanent residence in the arid zone of Australia Jonny Schoenjahn Dipl.-Math. A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2018 School of Biological Sciences 2 Abstract The Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos is an extremely rare and little known Australian endemic raptor. The Web of Science lists only two publications for this species, considered to be one of the five rarest Falco species of the world: a literature review and analysis of museum material (Olsen and Olsen 1986), and the results from the preliminary investigation that led to this study (Schoenjahn 2013). The difficulty in finding these rare birds (<1000 mature individuals), distributed thinly across much of Australia’s arid/semi arid zone (~5 million km2), hampers detailed studies and has deterred previous researchers from studying this species. The Grey Falcon is the only species of Falco to have its entire population confined exclusively to a hot arid environment. To understand the processes that help the species to persist in its extreme environment, I explore key aspects of its ecology, morphology, and anatomy, using observational data collected during 14 field seasons (2003–2016), involving 59 breeding events and satellite tracking data from seven individuals tracked for between 82 and 797 days. How do individuals, during the various stages of their lives, cope with extremely high ambient temperatures? Investigating whether the species is specifically adapted behaviourally and anatomically to its environment, I found that Grey Falcons keep physical exertion and thus activity levels low in each aspect of their day-to-day lives, and lack particular morphological or physiological characteristics that would help them to cope with heat better than other bird species do.
    [Show full text]
  • US Footy Ten Year Commemorative Book
    US Footy Ten Year Commemorative Book The First Ten Years of Australian Rules Football in America. “For the good of the game, for the love of the game” USFOOTY United States Australian Football League A REAL USFOOTY THANKS TO President’s Report “If you dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney Over ten years ago a group of ten Australians and Americans met in a barn in Indiana over a beer or two and dreamed about starting an Australian Rules Football League in the USA. From this gathering and the hard work of many, the USAFL celebrates its tenth year of operation. A dream became a reality and a game born in Australia is quickly establishing itself as a strong minor sport in the land of professional sport. Our tenth National Championships are being played in the city where the first game was played - Louisville, Kentucky. Our Championships have grown over the years from a small gathering of clubs to a significant number that produce economic benefits to the host club and city, but more importantly the gathering of teams is a chance to celebrate football and the league on an annual basis. If you haven’t been to the USAFL Championships you are missing a great celebration of grass roots sport. At these Championships we will celebrate those players, coaches, umpires and officials who have been integral to the success of the USAFL. We will remember past matches and past Championships. The stories will be told of those fantastic road trips and the characters that make being part of a football team one of the great experiences of life.
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 Raptor View Research Institute
    NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID RAPTOR VIEW RESEARCH INSTITUTE PERMIT 536 MISSOULA, MT 59801 2015 Raptor View Research Institute P.O.Box 4323 Missoula, MT 59806 the A Newsletter of The Raptor View Research Institute P.O. BOX 4323 MISSOULA, MT 59806 (406) 258-6813 We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We hope that you will consider us for a tax-deductible contribution. Your support is needed and ensures the continuation of our research, conservation and education programs. Thank you. [email protected] www.raptorview.org Message From The President Swainson’s Hawk Nesting Project Welcome to Raptor View Research Institute’s (RVRI) annual newsletter. It has been eleven years since our During the 2015 breeding season, with much help from Ken Furrow of Furrow Productions, and numerous landowners, we inception – where does the time go!? In 2004, we formed RVRI to pursue our migratory Golden Eagle research conducted our 10th survey for Swainson’s Hawks (SWHA) nesting in the Missoula Valley. along the Continental Divide near Lincoln, Montana. Back then, we were a handful of extraordinarily dedi- cated volunteers working tirelessly to learn all that we could and succeed on that single project. However, first Overall since 2005, we have identified 17 SWHA territories (areas where one or more adults are observed throughout a we had to become skilled at capturing migratory Golden Eagles, which was not…how should I say, unprob- breeding season). Within those territories, we banded 62 individuals and marked 51 with uniquely color-coded leg bands. lematic. Our first banding season in 2001 was dismal, as we captured only four Golden Eagles.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Biology and Food Habits of the Madagascar Kestrel (Falco Newtoni) in Northeastern Madagascar
    j. RaptorRes. 39(2):149-155 ¸ 2005 The Raptor ResearchFoundation, Inc. BREEDING BIOLOGY AND FOOD HABITS OF THE MADAGASCAR KESTREL (FALCO NEWTONI) IN NORTHEASTERN MADAGASCAR LILY-ARISONRENE DE ROLAND,JEANNENEY RABEARIVONY, HARILALAINAROBENARIMANGASON, AND GILBERTRAZAFIMANJATO ThePeregrine Fund's Project in Madagascar,B.P 4113, Antananarivo(101), Madagascar RUSSELL THORSTROM 1 ThePeregrine Fund, 5668 WestFlying Hawk Lane, Boise,ID 83709 U.S.A. ABSTRACT.--Westudied MadagascarKestrels (Falconewtoni) on Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Mada- gascarduring the 1997 and 1998breeding seasons. We locatedfive nestsites and observedeight nesting attemptsduring the two breeding seasons.All nestswere in tree cavitiesand averaged13.8 + 2.0 m (SE) above the ground in trees averaging22.8 +- 0.8 m (SE) in height (N = 5 nests). Egg laying took place from mid-Septemberto the first week of October.The modal clutch sizewas 4 + 0.9 (N = 6 nests, range 3-5 eggs).The incubationperiod averaged28 d, varying from 27-29 d (N = 5 nests).Hatching occurred from the middle of October to the first week of November with young fledging in late No- vember.Of 24 eggslaid in six nests,13 (54%) hatched,and seven(54%) of thosehatchlings fledged; thus, a total of 1.2 young fledged per breeding attempt were produced and overall nest successwas 50%. The MadagascarKestrel diet of 338 identifiedprey wascomposed of 93.8% lizards(N = 317), 2.6% insects(N = 9), 2.4% amphibians(N = 8), and 1.2% birds (N = 4). KEYWORDS: MadagascarKestrel; Falco newtoni; nestingbiology; food habits;nests;
    [Show full text]