Hawkwatch International, a nonprofit organization that focuses on monitoring
raptors, has tracked the migration of these birds since 1986, including at
Bonney Butte since 1994. Last year, like so many other aspects of life, the
group was unable to collect data on what types of raptors were migrating.
Starting at the end of August, Hawkwatch International will restart its efforts
at Bonney Butte, lasting through the end of October and offering a chance for
Mountain residents and visitors to learn more about raptors, from golden
eagles to merlins and more (annual counts typically range from 2,500-4,500
migrant raptors of up to 18 species).

Kirsten Elliott, Hawkwatch International Development and Communications
Director, noted that the lost year of data from 2020 is unfortunate, but losing
more beyond that would be a bigger issue.

“When you have that long term data set, it’s not a massive problem," Elliott
said. “It was so critical for us to open back up this year, at least for the
science, if nothing else.”

Bonney Butte will see a crew of five raptor biologists who search the skies for
migrating raptors between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day. They’ll hopefully be
able to note the species of raptor and then tally daily counts that are available
in real time.

Staff will also take part in educational programming and interpretation,
helping visitors understand more about migration ecology, raptor identification
and the group’s research efforts.

Elliott added that there are opportunities for a closer look as they also lure
raptors in and trap them in an effort to tag the bird’s leg and learn more
about its health. Birds are then released, which can make a strong impression
for anyone there to witness it.

“That’s really magical,” Elliott said.

In the past, the group has also held a festival in Government Camp, but Elliot
noted that will not take place this year.

“We hope to bring back festivals, it’s a great way to connect,” she said. “We
love Government Camp.”

Bonney Butte Hawkwatch will run from Friday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Oct.
31 and is located on the southeastern flanks of Mount Hood, within the Mt.
Hood National Forest, and approximately six miles southeast of Government
Camp. For directions and a list of suggested items to bring, please visit
https://hawkwatch.org/bonney.

All activities are weather dependent and the best dates to visit fall between
Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 12. If you are a large group, please
contact Hawkwatch to schedule your visit in advance.