Each nesting season for the last 60 years, researchers with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey, and more recently, the Raptor Research Center at Boise State University have monitored the golden eagle population in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. This is the longest running study of golden eagles in the world. This long-term study examines golden eagle population status, breeding biology, and post-fledging behavior to better understand the environmental factors shaping eagle survival and conservation in the western United States.

In December, the Birds of Prey Partnership joined agency partners to restore fire-damaged habitat in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA. Over 1,000 native plants—including sagebrush, penstemon, and rabbitbrush—were installed to support threatened species and shrub-steppe ecosystems, marking a major step in ongoing post-fire restoration efforts.

This year’s Raptor Fest was a huge success! Here, our Intern Annabel Christiansen reflects on the day and what it means to our organization.