Winthrop, WA— This year’s Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration Project got underway in late August.  Chelan Ridge is one of a network of sites established to better understand raptor ecology. Biologists count and capture hawks, falcons, and eagles that are migrating through central Washington in autumn.

Biologists measure and band the birds that are caught. Then, before the birds are released to continue their migration, area students have an opportunity to see them. For most students, this is the first time they have seen a wild raptor up close. Volunteer interpreters talk about the relationships between soil, fire, climate, and biological communities.

North Central Washington’s Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration Project, is an ongoing partnership of State, Federal, and private partners including Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Hawkwatch International and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Each day, volunteers keep a record of the birds they have seen.  The daily Raptor Tally Board also provides a count of birds captured for banding.  Below is a list of this seasons count so far.

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