Advancing Raptor Conservation: The Raptor Resource Project’s 2024 Research Highlights
The Raptor Resource Project (RRP) has long been at the forefront of raptor conservation and research, and 2024 was no exception. From tracking Golden Eagles to documenting changes in migration patterns, we continued to deepen our understanding of raptors and their role in the environment.
2024 Newsletter: https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/pdf/2024WinterNewsletter.pdf
Golden Eagle Tracking: Transmitters Unveil New Insights
In 2024, we fitted transmitters on five Golden Eagles (GOEA), expanding our efforts to track and study this iconic yet vulnerable species. They revealed key data on eagle movements, migration, and habitat use, improving our understanding of how these eagles interact with their environment. Our tracking data has already started to inform conservation strategies and enables us to work more effectively with land managers and policymakers.
Interactive Golden Eagle Maps: https://www.raptorresource.org/learning-tools/eagle-map/
Peregrine Falcon Banding: Continuing a Legacy
Banding at the Greysolon Building in Duluth, MN. This site is a lot of fun: we band the falcons in an air-conditioned community room and residents are always excited to see them and share their stories!In 2024 we banded 81 Peregrine Falcons, marking another milestone in our long-standing commitment to caring for this once-endangered species. Banding provides critical information about peregrine falcon nesting and survival rates, dispersal patterns, and population health.
2024 Banding Report: https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/pdf/2024BandingReport.pdf
Each band tells a story. Our Peregrine Falcons have been identified as far away as Cancun to the south and Assateague Island to the east, illustrating the incredible journeys these raptors undertake. The data collected from this year’s banding efforts will contribute to ongoing research that helps ensure Peregrines continue to thrive.
Peregrine Falcon Rebecca on Assateague Island. We banded her at Greysolon Plaza in Duluth, MN. She was reported by researcher Mike Yates, the Research Biologist and Director of EarthspanInternships and Migration Studies: Educating the Next Generation
Our partnership with Luther College and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has brought fresh perspectives and energy to our work. In 2024, eight interns joined our team to help band 100 migratory raptors and collect data on raptor migration chronology. They worked alongside our researchers to observe changes in the timing and patterns of migration, a key indicator of the ways in which climate change and habitat shifts are affecting bird populations. The experience provided interns with valuable fieldwork skills and fostered their passion for conservation, ensuring that the next generation of scientists is equipped to tackle future challenges.
Intern Owen and a Red-tailed HawkThe data we gathered on raptor migration chronology is crucial for understanding long-term trends. By comparing this year’s findings with historical records, we can track shifts in migration timing, identify emerging threats, and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on raptors.
Golden Eagle Blood Sampling: Unlocking Hidden Data
In 2024 we collected blood samples from five Golden Eagles. These samples are being analyzed for:
- HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza): With outbreaks of avian flu posing significant risks to bird populations, testing for HPAI helps us understand the prevalence and impact of this disease among Golden Eagles.
- Heavy Metals: Testing for heavy metals like lead and mercury provides insight into environmental contamination and its effects on eagle health and reproduction.
- Genetics: Genetic analysis helps uncover population structure, breeding dynamics, and migration patterns, offering a deeper understanding of Golden Eagle ecology.
Blood sampling is an essential part of our efforts to assess the overall health of Golden Eagles and address emerging threats. The findings will only inform our work and contribute to a growing body of knowledge shared with the broader conservation community.
Golden Eagle Tracking Project: https://www.raptorresource.org/learning-tools/golden-eagles/
Looking Ahead: Building on 2024’s Success
We are proud of our research and conservation efforts. Each initiative this year brought us closer to understanding the challenges raptors face and the strategies needed to protect them. 2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Together with our interns, partners, and supporters, we remain committed to safeguarding the incredible birds that inspire and connect us to the natural world.
Thank you for supporting our work.