Our Projects
A selection of our work in the field
Our team of experienced biologists and naturalists conducts research and monitoring of many different avian species. We are particularly skilled at, but not limited to, studies of raptors and land birds, including species-specific surveys for state and federally listed endangered and threatened species.
All of our monitoring projects are developed with an understanding and appreciation of our collaborators’ objectives.
Our research work has been used to guide development, create public policy, and establish conservation approaches for a multitude of songbird and raptor species.
Middle Rio Grande Songbird Study
This decades-long study (beginning in 2004) monitors avian density and richness during winter and summer in relation to vegetation community and structure type and land management strategies over a 79-mile stretch of the Middle Rio Grande bosque.
Valles Caldera Owl Community Study
This study, which began in 2020, includes surveys for Mexican Spotted Owl following U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol, and separate surveys for other owl species known to occur at Valles Caldera National Preserve, including Flammulated Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Western Screech-Owl, and Long-eared Owl.
Threatened & Endangered Species
We have many years of experience surveying for, and interpreting data on, the region’s endangered and threatened species, including Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Mexican Spotted Owl.
Raptor Driving Surveys
Hawks Aloft has developed and maintained long-running raptor driving surveys, following a strict protocol to determine raptor-species density. One such project--our surveys in the Rio Grande and Estancia Valleys--has been ongoing for 26 years.
Tell Us About Your Project
If you’re a city, state, or federal organization, NGO, or private business in need of support for your project, contact our staff for more information on how we can work together.
With Gratitude
We graciously thank the many organizations that support our research, education, rescue and rehabilitation work: the Avangrid Foundation, the Albuquerque Community Foundation, Intel, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, US Forest Service, Peabody Energy, PNM Resources Foundation and Golder Associates.
