2025 marked another successful Raptorthon season! This continental effort supports raptor conservation, monitoring programs, and local watch sites. Check out the information provided below ahead of the 2026 Spring Raptorthon, past summaries, and always feel free to contact brown@hawkmigration.org for more information.
The purpose of Raptorthon is simple: get outside and have fun birding while raising funds on behalf of raptor monitoring throughout the Americas!
Like a Bird-a-thon effort, Raptorthon is a sponsored bird count, just focused on raptors. The aim is to see the most significant number of raptor species (and, optionally, all other bird species) in a 24-hour-period.
Participation is Easy
Choose one day to count, register with HMA, find sponsors to pledge support for your Raptorthon, find as many species as possible, collect your pledges, and report your results!
Support your Local Watch Site
All funds raised support raptor monitoring, but you decide how it is distributed!
1-Donate 50% of all you raise to a hawk watch site and 50% to HMA to support its raptor conservation efforts
2-Donate 100% to HMA programs
Hawk Watch Fund
HMA’s Hawk Watch Fund grant program grows every year because of Raptorthon. We dedicate 25% of what is donated to HMA during Raptorthon to the Fund, developing our annual grant program supporting education and research efforts at watch sites throughout the Americas.
Thanks to Raptorthon, we are offered $2600 in grants last year.
Support Raptorthon —sponsor a team with a pledge or host your event. Either way, you directly strengthen the raptor monitoring community. We are incredibly grateful for all who have participated in or donated to Raptorthon over the years. Together, we have made a tangible impact in supporting our international monitoring network, raising over $108,000 for watch sites and HMA programs, and enjoying many fun days of birding!
What is a Raptorthon?
Like Bird-a-thon, Raptorthon is a sponsored bird count but is focused on raptors. It’s a fun event organized by The Hawk Migration Association (HMA) in which you ask people for a pledge to sponsor you for a day searching for as many raptors species (and optionally other species) as possible.
What happens to the money I raise during the Raptorthon?
All money raised supports raptor monitoring, but you decide how it’s distributed. You have the choice to donate 50% of the money you raise to a hawk watch organization and 50% to HMA. HMA funds support our HawkCount database, the Raptor Population Index, and programs like our Junior Hawkwatcher and Lunch & Learn. You also have the choice to donate 100% to HMA. HMA’s proceeds above the standard 50% will be allocated to our new HawkWatchFund to support hawk watching throughout the Americas.
Do I need to be an experienced hawk watcher to take part in HMA’s Raptorthon?
You don’t need to be an experienced hawk watcher. The purpose of the Raptorthon is to get outside and have fun for the day searching for raptors and other birds and to raise money in support of raptors. To benefit from others’ experience, form your team or contact your local hawk-watching site for information about joining a group. Or go it alone and do your best!
Do I have to count only hawks during my Raptorthon?
No, this is totally up to you! You may choose to count the number of raptor species you see or hear in one day (including owls and shrikes), or you may choose to calculate all bird species you see in one day. Or you can count both!
Do I have to count raptors for a full day? What are the dates of the event?
Spring Raptorthon is for any 24-hour-period between March 1-May 31. Look for raptors and other birds for any number of hours up to 24! You decide the time and date for your Raptorthon. Just remember to fill in the date on your registration form.
Do I have to do the Raptorthon at a known hawk watch site?
No! You can be anywhere at all when you do your Raptorthon. Count from your backyard or tour the local hawk watches and birding hotspots. Visit a beach or a park near you.
How do I register to take part in the Raptorthon?
You can register online (click the Register button above) or use the printable registration form in the Raptorthon Forms section. Complete the form and email or mail it to Hawk Migration Association, PO Box 183, Hancock, NH 03449.
What other forms do I need?
In addition to the Registration Form, you’ll need the Pledge Coupon to solicit pledges. You will send this form to your potential sponsors for their pledges. Next, you will need the Sponsor List to track donations from your sponsors, which will later be mailed to HMA with checks. All forms are available in the Raptorthon Forms tab.
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The Mile High Raptors Raptorthon Summary 2025
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