For over 30 years HawkWatch International has been looking to the skies over the Goshute Mountains located just a few miles west of West Wendover to record the migration of raptors.  These birds of prey make their way from their northern breeding territories to southern wintering grounds, which are often thousands of miles apart.

During migration season the Goshute Mountains Raptor Migration Project site is staffed (weather conditions permitting) to count migratory raptors as they pass overhead. A variety of raptors from Vulture, Eagles, Hawks and Falcons pass this site, with the largest number of hawks migrating from mid-August through early November.

2016 marked the 34th consecutive year at the Goshute migration site.  This year’s annual autumn count of raptors observed was 11,369 making it one of the largest concentrations of migrating raptors in western North America.

National Audubon Society ranked our Goshute Mountains as the top site to visit for photography:

            In Audubon Fall listings

1) Goshute Mountains, Nevada      

”You have to undertake a 2.5-mile hike straight uphill to get to this site while lugging everything you might need. But being 9,000-feet up a mountain has its advantages for photography—namely, some interesting perspectives and angles. Goshute is also a great site for Golden Eagles. Season: fall”

Hawk Watch International welcomes people to come to the site and learn about migration ecology and raptor identification. During this year’s season, the crew had close to 250 visitors that included a “Locals Day” Oct 8-9, with three high schools, and two Boy Scout troops.  It’s a great way to learn about the raptor passing by on their migration, and a few lucky people are even allowed to release them back into the air.  So plan a trip to the Goshute Mountains next fall it’s an experience you will never forget, and it is after all in your own back yard.

To find out more information and read past reports on the Goshute Mountains Raptor Migration Project visit:  www.hawkwatch.org/migration

Photos Courtesy Hawk Watch International & City of West Wendover