Wintering Raptor Survey Protocol 

1. Drive your assigned route five times between 15 October and 15 March on calm (constant wind velocity less than 25 km/hr) mornings or afternoons.
2. Drive at a constant rate of 40 km/hr (25 mph), stopping only when you see a perched or flying raptor with your naked eye. Today, use your better judgment on roads (e.g., highways 36 and 93) where this speed is impractical, even hazardous. When you pull over to make observations do so with great care! A possible solution to this problem is to estimate the time you would spend covering that section and stop once or twice along the way so that the observing time is the same as if you had been able to maintain the slower speed. You have every right to survey from the public right of way, but you do not have the right to impede traffic.  If you are approached by a private property owner, politely inform the owner of your right and withdraw.  If you feel threatened you should call the Boulder County Sheriff's Office at 303-441-4444.  I am aware of only two incidents in the 27 year history of the survey, but you should be aware the possibility exists.
3. Stop to identify the raptor and any other raptors you can see from that point with your naked eye.  Do not scan trees with binoculars or scopes.
4. Mark initial sighting location (where the raptor was when you first saw it) of each raptor on a topographic map of the route you are surveying.  Use the raptor codes on the BCNA Wintering Raptor Survey Report Form to indicate the species.  If you are not sure of a species identification, use the UE, UF, UB, or UR codes. If you are using a black and white map use a blue or red pen, not a #2 pencil.  This expedites data entry.
5. Complete a survey report form, including the total number of all species sighted, and attach it to the map.  List the names of all individuals who are conducting the survey on the survey form.  This allows an accurate estimate of volunteer hours which supports our 501-C3 status. Use a separate map and survey report form for each trip.
6. Mail your maps and completed raptor survey forms to:  Sue Cass, 1524 Henry Court, Longmont, CO  80501-2585.  If you choose to hold all your maps and forms and mail them at the end of the survey season, please notify me by phone (720) 684-6922 or email (suecass@comcast.net) each time you complete a survey. If you choose to mail maps and forms after each completed survey, please do so promptly.
7. If you are privileged to make a rare or unusual sighting, let me know.  I will share it with the team.

Get maps and report forms from this site.

Return to BCNA home or raptor survey introduction.