Hi, Tweeters:

We've begun the spring raptor migration study at Cape Flattery, as Bob
Norton noted in his 3/19 posting, with the full-time observer settled in
yesterday. This study, begun in the 1980s by the Falcon Research Group in
arrangment with the Makah people, has been a volunteer effort over time with
important input from a number of serious northwest birders. Since 1993
Hawkwatch Int'l has had an important role.

The Makah have been generous over the years with the raptor migration
studies in recognition of the unique setting of their land in the flyway of
the migrating birds. In particular, they have allowed us access to tribal
lands off of the main roads of the region. The increase in research
endeavors at the coast and on the Makah Nation, in part related to the
establishment of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, has added to
the responsibilities of the tribal biologists and the enforcement people.

The natural resources division of the tribal government is formalizing an
agreement with HawkWatch Int'l governing the migration research and taking a
more active role in the studies. Also, the NOAA Marine Sanctuary people have
been very helpful with arrangements for the full-time observer.

An important point, not made explicit in earlier postings on Tweeters, is
that this is a research site on Makah Nation lands and not a recreational
birding destination in US public park lands. Serious hawkwatchers can join
as volunteers to work with the full-time HWI observer. We've found it
advantageous to have several observers on site each day, as those who've
worked the site know it can get hectic on a good day. Observers will be
expected to read and agree to abide by the provisions of the Makah/HWI
agreement being formalized, and advance notice of those expected to be on
site is needed by the Makah natural resources people in order to keep their
enforcement field people informed. DO NOT GO to the site without prior
contact with us (addresses below). We can serve as intermediaries to
minimize the load on Denise Dailey, the responsible tribal biologist.

The need for correlative information on raptor sightings elsewhere in
the northwest to help define the migration flyways is great. Please note
your sightings, either by contacting us at the addresses below, or as
specific raptor-sightings postings on Tweeters. All such sightings
information will be devoured avidly, as this is at present the most
intensive documentation of spring raptor migration known to us in the
coastal northwest.

Also, Steve Hoffman, HWI founder, will be here and talking at an open
house at the Clarks' place on Friday evening, 18 April, 7 pm. Those
interested in the various migration studies in the West are welcome ...
please let us know if you're coming.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and help.

Welden and Virginia Clark
852 Sporseen Road, Sequim, WA 98382
Tel: 360/683-1087
Fax: 360/683-1413
Email: clark at olympus.net

Ken Wiersema
Tel: 360/683-4763
Email: wiersema at olympus.net