Field Trip: Red Shoulder Hawks

Red-shoulder hawk banding with Gene Jacobs

Venture into lush river bottom forests to help researchers study the red-shouldered hawk. Get up close as we capture, band and take measurements of red-shoulder hawks and nestlings. Learn fascinating new facts about this iconic bird that was one of Wisconsin’s most common hawks a century ago and is now on the Wisconsin state threatened species list. Gene Jacobs has studied these “phantoms of the forest” for nearly 50 years.

Event Details:

• Pre-registration is required for this event. We have to limit the number of participants to 12. RSVP below to register.
• Meet at the public parking lot near the Chase Bank in Stevens Point at 10 a.m. We can car pool from there.
• These hawks like to nest in or near wetlands. We will try to find a site with relatively easy access but because of where these hawks call home, be prepared for mosquitos, hiking through dense woods with wet terrain.
• Participants will need to wait quietly in a blind while we wait for the adult birds. This can take 30 minutes to an hour.