Eagle watchers sought

Glacier National Park is again looking for volunteers to help document the fall raptor migration as it prepares for the second year of the Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program.

With support from Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates and Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Hawk Watch Program is a long-term study that teams up volunteers and biologists to help keep track of birds of prey as they make their way through the area as part of their annual migration pattern. At a training and information event near Lake McDonald Lodge on Oct. 5, park biologists will teach volunteers how to identify and count migrating raptors as part of the park’s golden eagle bird count on their annual migration south.

Each fall, golden eagles migrate from northern breeding grounds to warmer climates. One of the most important North American migration routes passes through Glacier National Park along the Continental Divide. Large numbers of other raptors also use this migration corridor during the fall and spring.

On scheduled days, observers who are strong hikers can trek approximately 4.5 miles up to an observation point just below Mount Brown Lookout. Once there, participants will collect data between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anyone interested in documenting raptors at this observation point should call (406) 888-7896 or email (glac_citizen_science@nps.gov ) the Glacier Citizen Science Office for additional details.

Volunteers can also help out at the observation station near Lake McDonald Lodge, which can be reached by vehicle. The training event will take place across from Lake McDonald Lodge at the golden eagle interpretive sign near Jammer Joe’s parking lot from noon until 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Participants should bring their own binoculars. Attendees need not stay for the whole time.